Laboratory Research Technician I in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

Laboratory Research Technician I

Med-Surgery - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26004569)

The University of Pittsburgh/UPMC Department of Surgery is one of the leading surgical programs in the country, offering innovative surgical procedures, state-of-the-art technology, and high-quality patient care. Our surgeons pioneer and refine surgical procedures to provide leading-edge, compassionate care to patients who require surgical services in a wide range of specialties.

Through the University of Pittsburgh/UPMC Department of Surgery, patients have access to advanced procedures and technological innovations, from specialized care for liver cancer and a ground-breaking method of delivering chemotherapy at UPMC Passavant, to a new state-of-the-art operating room with integrated imaging technology at UPMC Presbyterian. UPMC’s breadth of surgical capabilities ensures that patients receive world-class care whether they are cared for at the flagship hospitals in Oakland and Shadyside or at one of UPMC’s community hospitals or surgery centers. Encompassing six University of Pittsburgh health science schools and a host of affiliated hospitals, clinical facilities, and specialized centers, UPMC has developed cutting-edge medical programs and has recruited some of the nation’s most talented surgeons. At the University of Pittsburgh/UPMC Department of Surgery, the surgical leaders of today train the surgical leaders of tomorrow with exceptional research and training opportunities in every area of clinical surgery.

Job Summary

Performs laboratory testing and some analysis on multiple types of specimen samples. Operates and properly sterilizes equipment and maintains inventory and assists with ordering.

Essential Functions

The laboratory is seeking a part-time Junior Research Technician for a 1-year duration to support our ongoing Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) research project. The successful candidate will work closely with senior lab members and researchers to bridge our initial metabolic model study—investigating macrophage polarization and lysosomal dynamics—with our upcoming transition into the mdx mouse model. The candidate will execute complex, multi-disciplinary workflows combining wet-lab molecular assays with bioinformatic dataset management.

Perform primary bone marrow-derived macrophage isolation, cell culture, lysosomal dynamics assays, and standard molecular bench work (e.g., Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR). Conduct transcriptomic profiling and manage single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets using bioinformatic computational tools. Assist in the transition of experimental workflows from metabolic cellular models to the mdx mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Maintain laboratory stocks of supplies, reagents, buffers, and plates; order supplies as needed. Perform routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and maintain detailed, accurate experimental records. Assist in analyzing and summarizing data for scientific communications, manuscripts, and grant proposals. Review pertinent scientific literature related to DMD pathology, immune-metabolic interactions, and macrophage polarization. Other correlating assigned duties. Hands-on experience with primary macrophage isolation, Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, and molecular assays. Proficiency with computational tools for scRNA-seq data analysis and transcriptomic processing. Foundational understanding of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) pathology, macrophage polarization, and immune-metabolic pathways. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently in a fast-paced lab environment.

Physical Effort

Physical effort associated with wet lab work, i.e. standing while conducting experiments, sitting while working on computer, walking back and forth in the lab to sinks and microscopes as well as occasionally going to the loading doc to pick up supplies, lifting packages less than 20lbs., etc.

Assignment Category: Part-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Laboratory Research Technician I

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Laboratory

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: No experience required

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field (or equivalent undergraduate research experience/training).

Work Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursday 8:30am-4:00 pm, Wednesdays 9:30am-4:00 pm

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: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Cover Letter