Research Tech II--Xia Lab

University of Rochester

23h • $20 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. Responsibilities: Responsible for the maintenance, breeding, genotyping and organization of multiple transgenic mouse colonies. Additional responsibilities include completing established laboratory functions including cell culture and molecular and cell biological experiments. Will assist with overall operation of the laboratory including ordering supplies, making stock solutions, equipment maintenance, and training of lab personnel. Experience in cell culture and willingness to work with mice is required. Ability to work in a lab team environment with a diverse group of personnel is essential.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• 1 year relevant experience in related field required; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Able to work with minimal supervision once trained and to listen to, convey, and exchange information with other laboratory personnel.
• This position requires the use of eyes, hands, and fingers with skill and the ability to perform mathematical calculations using algebra and practically apply percentages, fractions, and ratios.
• The ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions, and record information accurately is required.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• This position may entail prolonged periods of standing and walking and requires the safe use of toxic chemicals.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Mouse colonies management. Maintenance and breeding of multiple lines of transgenic mice. Cutting toes of P7 or younger mouse pups (or ear punches). Responsibilities include maintaining breeding records, setting up weekly breeding schedules, as well as detailed record-keeping of mouse genotypes in laboratory database
• Molecular biology experiments and mice tail genotyping. Work in an independent manner with minimal supervision, perform standard molecular biological experiments including cDNA purification, cloning, PCR amplification, restriction analysis, as well as PCR analysis of genomic DNA obtained from ear punches and tail snips.
• Cell biological experiments. Work in an independent manner with minimal supervision, perform tissue (including brain) sectioning, immunofluorescence (of tissue or culture cells) and other cell biological and biochemical experiments including but not limited to preparing tissue or cultured cells for immunoprecipitation and/or western blotting experiments. Perfuse neonatal mouse pups, dissect different brain regions including optic nerves, corpus callosum, spinal cords, hippocampus for western blotting or for sending the fixed material to Electron Micrograph (EM) core for EM studies. Optimize assays and modify experiments as needed.
• General laboratory maintenance. Order supplies and work closely with departmental administrative office staff on purchasing and account issues. Prepare common reagents, train other laboratory workers, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in relevant laboratory techniques and equipment use. Maintain functionality of lab equipment, as well as the overall organization of the lab, and comply with all institutional laboratory safety procedures. Maintain careful laboratory notebooks, analyze data on PCs, and design new protocols. Guide undergraduate student workers in the lab who can assist some of the above lab duties. Provide support and technical assistance on experimental problems that may arise during the course of their experiments.
• Research Analysis, Presentation, Searches. Prepare literature searches as needed. Analyze and present findings to PI and/or in laboratory meetings.
• Biochemical Experiments: Work in an independent manner with minimal supervision, perform biochemical immunoprecipitation studies on rodent tissues, cultured neurons or transfected HEK 293 cells and then use SDS/PAGE and western blotting to analyze the data.
• Other projects and job duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED