Research Technician at University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Research Technician

UPCI Basic Research Administration - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26001263)

We are seeking a highly motivated wet bench technician to support innovative single-cell research focused on polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), cancer cell migration, and therapeutic resistance. The successful candidate will contribute to high-throughput experimental platforms integrating robotic liquid handling, quantitative imaging, and molecular analyses, while providing essential support for routine laboratory operations and collaborative research projects.

Our laboratory is recognized for its expertise in single-cell experimental platforms, particularly in studies of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) and cancer cell migration. We leverage high-throughput microfluidic systems, robotic liquid handling, and advanced image acquisition and computational image-processing pipelines to interrogate cellular heterogeneity, therapeutic response, and metastatic potential at single-cell resolution. The technician will play a key role in supporting and expanding these technically sophisticated platforms.

Education and Experience Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is desirable but not required. Candidates should have at least 1–2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in cell and molecular biology (academic research experience acceptable). Demonstrated experience in mammalian cell culture is required. Experience with drug screening assays, flow cytometry, basic biochemical techniques (e.g., protein and nucleic acid analysis), PCR/qPCR, cloning, or sequencing library preparation is preferred. Familiarity with high-throughput assays, automated liquid handling systems, quantitative imaging, or data organization is a plus. Experience with animal research (e.g., mouse handling or tumor models) is desirable but not required.

Job Summary

Performs a variety of independent laboratory work and experiments such as determining experimental protocols and preparation of specimens and cultures. Prepares reports of findings subsequent to compilation and analyzation. Oversees specimen inventory. Develops documentation for publication; crafts manuscripts and grant proposals.

Essential Functions

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, capable of working both independently and collaboratively, and committed to maintaining rigorous experimental standards.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Laboratory Research Technician III

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Laboratory

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 2

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: No

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: To be determined based on qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Cover Letter