Laboratory Research Technician I

Med-Otolaryngology - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26005705)

The Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking a research technician to conduct hearing research in animal models. The technician will investigate the neural mechanisms underlying normal and pathological hearing, with an emphasis on recovery following gene therapy for congenital hearing loss and/or noise-induced hearing loss. The research technician is expected to learn, conduct, and complete experiments in auditory neuroscience, with an emphasis on behavioral and/or immunohistochemical experiments. The position offers the opportunity to develop expertise across a broad methodological range, including behavioral assays, immunohistochemistry, in vivo neural monitoring (one- and two-photon calcium imaging /optophysiology), and in vitro electrophysiology. Under the guidance of senior lab members, the technician will learn foundational and advanced concepts in hearing and auditory neuroscience while contributing to data collection, analysis, writing, and presentations, with opportunities for co-authorship on resulting publications.

A Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field with research experience is required. Wet lab, histology, and neurobiology experience is preferred but not required. The technician will troubleshoot experimental and technical problems and contribute recommendations to improve research efforts.

The technician will develop experience in these tasks and learn to handle mice in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources. Additional duties will include, but are not limited to, laboratory maintenance, equipment testing and inspection, data management, report preparation, animal procurement, and ordering of laboratory supplies. The technician will be expected to gain a working knowledge of the laboratory and to operate all laboratory systems under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory staff.

The research technician is expected to learn, conduct, and complete experiments in auditory neuroscience, with an emphasis on behavioral and/or immunohistochemical experiments. The technician is also expected to perform statistical analysis of the collected data and to prepare figures. In addition, the technician will troubleshoot experimental and technical problems and contribute recommendations to improve research efforts.

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 research technician is expected to learn, conduct, and complete experiments in auditory neuroscience, with an emphasis on behavioral and/or immunohistochemical experiments. The technician is also expected to perform statistical analysis of the collected data and to prepare figures. In addition, the technician will troubleshoot experimental and technical problems and contribute recommendations to improve research efforts.

Physical Effort

Must be able to perform laboratory experiments with mobility.

Assignment Category: Full-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: No

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 to 5:00

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: 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: Not Applicable