Research Technician

The Department of Cell Biology has an outstanding opportunity for a research technician focused on cell biology and human genetics. This position is perfect if you are thinking about graduate school and would like laboratory experience OR looking for a long-term laboratory position with the possibility for advancement.

About the Van De Weghe Lab: The laboratory conducts NIH-funded research focused on understanding how the cellular organelles, cilia, work normally and what goes wrong in disease. We employ both human cell systems and the green algae, Chlamydomonas, to probe function of ciliary proteins. We use microscopy, genome engineering, biochemical isolation of cilia, functional assays, and molecular biology approaches. We're a new group committed to fostering variety in the fields of cellular biology and genetics. We're looking for an enthusiastic addition to our growing group. Come join us as we tackle exciting questions in cell biology!

Provide general laboratory support by preparing solutions, stocking reagents, making aliquots, maintaining workstations, performing equipment maintenance/cleaning, organizing/storing samples appropriately, and conducting simple research experiments. Initially, this position requires these essential laboratory duties. After training and displaying proficiency, this position includes independent work and may eventually involve a devoted project in line with the scientific mission of the lab.  

Duties:

• Basic molecular biology techniques: nucleic acid isolation, PCR, qPCR, western blotting and other established techniques
• Tissue culture: Maintain human cell lines using sterile techniques
• Chlamydomonas culture: Maintain algae using sterile techniques
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering: Use genome engineering techniques to model disease variants and introduce fluorescent proteins 
• Conducts simple research and laboratory analysis to include but not limited to measure and weigh compounds and solutions, isolate, identify and prepare specimens, and collect samples and other research data.
• Assist in simple clinical research projects collecting data from patients and/or participates in a study or project.
• Microscopy: analyze cell lines for defects using immunofluorescence, live cell tracking
• Collects various forms of data pertaining to the research project or projects, which could include database information patient consent forms, and/or hard files. 
• Interprets and analyzes data and discusses with principal investigator.
• Prepares reports concerning the progress of the project.
• Keeps detailed logs of all research related activities.
• Conducts literature searches.
• Conducts data analyses, interprets results, summarizes findings, and presents to Principal Investigator. 
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, or other health related field.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months equivalent experience in lieu of the Bachelor's Degree

Skills:

• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and regulations.
• Proficient with computers including data software and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, and Word)
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to be detail oriented.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Physical: Standing for prolonged periods. Manual dexterity. Reaching, bending, stooping, and walking.
• Environmental: Laboratory Environment. Exposure to chemicals, biohazardous materials, carcinogens, or other hazardous materials. 

Departmental Preferences:

• Preferred experience includes: strong grasp of biology, genetics, and chemistry; full time work experience; experience working on a team; mammalian cell culture, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques.

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