Laboratory Research Technician in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

Laboratory Research Technician

Med-Radiation Oncology - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26005702)

Seeking a research technician to work in a dynamic and fast-paced Translational Oncology research laboratory at the Hillman Cancer Center of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The candidate is expected to work independently following the guidance of a physician-scientist in the Department of Radiation Oncology and will carry out experiments investigating pediatric brain tumor cancer biology and radiopharmaceutical therapy. Roles will include cell culture, in vitro cell viability assays, flow cytometry, Western Blot, mouse work including orthotopic tumor implantation, treating tumor-bearing mice with radiation, monitoring tumor growth, and harvesting mouse tissues for further analyses. The candidate is also expected to work with collaborators at the Hillman Cancer Center and the SaMIRA radiopharmacuetical core to perform radiopharmaceutical therapy, SPECT/PET/CT imaging, and MRI and image analysis. Experience in doing basic science research and cell culture is required more specific training will be provided. Good written and communication skills are required.
Candidates should have at least a Bachelors of Science in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, and one year of post-graduate research experience.

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

Duties may include some or all the following:
• Maintain an organized and complete lab notebook of experiments that are performed.
• Propagate cells in cell culture and perform in vitro viability assays and clonogenic assays.
• Perform flow cytometry on murine and human cells (with Hillman flow core) to characterize surface receptor expression.
• Perform Western blots to characterize cell lines, tumor tissues, and mouse tissues.
• Extract DNA and RNA from mouse tumor tissue for next generation sequencing.
• Orthotopic injection of tumor cell lines into mice (training will be provided)
• In-vivo bioluminescence imaging to track tumor growth
• Collecting tumor tissue from mice.
• Treatment of tumor bearing mice with radiation using both external beam and/or radiopharmaceutical therapy
• Work with Pitt’s advanced imaging core to deliver brain specimens for MRI studies.
• Work with the SaMIRA imaging facility at Hillman to design novel radiopharmaceutical therapies
• Work with the SaMIRA imaging facility at Hillman to perform SPECT/PET/CT imaging.
• Work with the SaMIRA imaging facility at Hillman to perform image analysis
• Generate protocols, standard operating procedures, maintain specimen inventory, documentation for publication, help with manuscripts and grant proposals, prepares data, graphs, tables, and charts to document experimental results for publication, analyzes and interpret experimental data, compiles results, and writes reports and summaries of findings.
• Meet or communicate by e-mail with principal investigator on a regular basis to plan experiments, troubleshoot problems, and discuss results.
• Assist in recruiting new lab members by informing them about the lab and your research.
• Help maintain reagents or equipment in the laboratory with specific jobs, which might include tasks like making buffers, 70% ethanol, etc
• Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment required for specific tests.
• Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions.
• Contribute to a collegial and inclusive environment for the laboratory.
• Work with collaborators at UPMC Hillman and Children’s Hospital.

Physical Effort

Moderate physical effort Moderate physical effort required. May be required to stand/move for several hours at a time. May be required to move objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of equipment.

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, 8:30 am-5 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: 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: Not Applicable