Research Technician II

Lab technician position (RAII) is available in the Chen Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh. The Chen lab is focused on the molecular pathways involved in retinal degeneration and development of effective pharmacological treatment for retinal degenerative diseases (https:/ivy00chen.wixsite.com/chenlab).

Performs a variety of laboratory experiments and procedures. Prepares specimens. Oversees supply management. Operates and properly maintains equipment.

Essential Functions 

The role of this position includes lab management, rodent colony maintenance, genotyping, as well as retinal histological experiments. The lab management part (20%) of this position requires these personnel to help the PI ordering lab supplies, maintaining lab protocols and equipment, lab website, and updating the chemical inventory. The rodent colony maintenance (30% effort) includes tasks such as recording and managing the cage numbers, planning and conducting effective breeding upon needs of the lab, and tissue collections for genotyping. The retinal histology studies (30%) need these personnel, after training, to prepare mouse eye cups and perform cryo-, paraffin and vibratome sections of retinae, according to the lab’s need. Another 20% of work is to work with the team for retinal explant culture.

Due to the research requirement, a good night vision is required to conduct experiment under dim red light. The job requires long sitting time at the cryostat or when using a dissection scope.

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The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.