Research Technologist
We are seeking a Research Technologist who will assist with various projects in the Coyne lab and primarily be responsible for the maintenance and differentiation of iPSNs, processing of samples for western blot and qRT-PCR, and carrying out western blots and qRT-PCR experiments. The technologist will also be responsible for conducting immunostaining and confocal imaging experiments and will assist with other molecular and cell biology techniques as required. The Coyne lab uses induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neuron (iPSN) and postmortem human tissue models to understand the mechanistic basis and pathophysiologic consequences of impaired nuclear pore complex (NPC) and nuclear envelope surveillance and homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Current research projects are centrally focused on the mechanisms underlying overactivation of ESCRT-III mediated nucleoporin turnover as an initiating event in pathogenic cascades underlying ALS/FTD.
We are looking for a proficient laboratory technologist with an understanding of techniques and a foundation in the underlying science, gained from education and/or work experience. The individual will work independently to carry out daily tasks with oversight from the PI.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Participate in planning experiments and evaluating/interpreting test results utilizing detailed knowledge of research laboratory procedures and practices.
- Follows established procedures or protocols and utilizes aseptic technique to perform laboratory experiments which include iPSC and iPSN culture (passaging and maintenance, differentiation), qRT-PCR, western blotting, cloning and/or subcloning, immunostaining, and other basic cell and molecular biology techniques.
- Uses various software applications, such as Excel spreadsheets, electronic mail, the internet, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble and/or format data.
- Participate in the organization and operation of the laboratory.
- Perform general lab maintenance duties such as monitoring of inventory levels and proper storage of materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Plan and execute a defined set of experiments following discussion with the principal investigator.
- Assist with daily lab activities and communicates with lab members to assist with experiments as needed.
- Use universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
- Complete annual university biohazard/universal precaution safety training, as appropriate.
- Monitor biohazard safety standards and proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agents in the workplace.
- Exercise independent judgment in the selection, performance and evaluation of research methods and operation of appropriate equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Some related post-undergraduate work experience.
- Some knowledge of or experience with aseptic mammalian cell culturing.
- Basic understanding of or experience with western blotting, qRT-PCR, or immunostaining.
Classified Title: Research Technologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F/8:30am-5:00pm
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: Neurodegenerative and Injury Program
Personnel area: School of Medicine