Laboratory Research Specialist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

Laboratory Research Specialist

Med-Medicine - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26006503)

The Center for Antibody Therapeutics (CAT) within the Division of Infectious Diseases is seeking a Laboratory Research Specialist to support antibody discovery, engineering, characterization, and development programs. This position will contribute to molecular cloning, recombinant antibody expression and purification, flow cytometry-based characterization, and cell-based functional assays. The incumbent will work closely with faculty, scientists, and trainees to advance collaborative and externally funded research projects while maintaining high standards of laboratory operations, data quality, recordkeeping, and regulatory compliance.

Incumbent will perform molecular cloning and recombinant DNA techniques to generate and optimize antibody constructs, including plasmid preparation, sequence verification, and construct modification. Support antibody engineering activities through construct design, humanization, affinity maturation, and format optimization. Conduct recombinant antibody expression in bacterial and mammalian systems, maintain cell cultures, and perform transient transfections. Purify and characterize antibodies using Protein A/G chromatography, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and related biochemical assays. Perform flow cytometry-based binding, specificity, potency, receptor occupancy, and internalization assays, including data acquisition and analysis. Support antibody discovery and development projects by generating, analyzing, and documenting experimental data, preparing reports, figures, and summaries for investigators and sponsors. Maintain laboratory inventories, cell banks, reagents, and research records in accordance with established protocols and safety requirements. Assist with equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, ordering, and general laboratory operations. Collaborate with faculty, research staff, postdoctoral associates, and students to advance divisional research objectives and externally funded antibody therapeutic development programs.

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

Perform and document routine laboratory procedures and experiments while maintaining equipment, ensuring safety compliance, and supporting accurate, reliable research operations.

Physical Effort

Standing for extended periods, lifting and carrying equipment or supplies up to moderate weights, and performing repetitive hand and arm motions during laboratory procedures.

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: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

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

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: Yes

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