Temporary Lab Technician

About the role

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Health Sciences Center seeks a Temporary Lab Technician to conduct research in molecular environmental toxicology. This position involves working under the guidance of Dr. Sandra Diven in the Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments to define the molecular mechanisms for how metals induce chromosome instability in humans, experimental animals, and wildlife cells.
• Exposure cell lines or animal models to chemicals and measure the consequences and outcomes of those chemical exposures.
• Perform assays such as quantitative-real-time-polymerase chain reaction analysis, chromosome aberration analysis, western blotting, and immunofluorescence.
• Analyze data using common and standard tools like graphical and tabular presentation.
• Support regular laboratory maintenance, recording keeping, and inventory maintenance according to laboratory protocols.
• Conduct field work, including collecting tissues from wildlife, working at sea on boats, in the brush catching alligators, and on the beach sampling sea turtles.
• Collaborate with the Wise Laboratory team and other collaboration partners in the collection of samples, research, writing, and editing of materials for publication and presentation.
• Support and perform experimental record keeping, rigorous and safe laboratory practices, and help ensure quality and accuracy of oral and written scientific presentations.
• Communicate regularly with Dr. Sandra Diven on the status of research and lab activities.

Requirements

• 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• BS degree in Biology.
• Experience working hands-on with marine mammals, alligators, or sea turtles.
• Comfortable working hands-on at sea on boats, in the brush catching alligators, and on the beach sampling sea turtles late at night.
• Comfortable with experimental animal work.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated individual capable of conducting guided experimentation.
• Proficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Organized, task-oriented, able to delegate and follow up.
• Proactive, flexible, and able to communicate professionally and interact in a respectful manner.
• Able to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of technical experience.

Skills

• Ability to think critically and solve problems.
• Motivated, diligent, industrious, and persistent in the workplace.
• Able to work at a fast pace to ensure optimal efficiency.
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills.

Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Pay

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Schedule

Full-time position.