UNIV - Research Specialist I - Department of Regenerative Medicine

About the role

The Research Specialist I will work under general supervision by the Principal Investigator (PI) and will be part of a basic science research laboratory focusing on understanding cellular trafficking mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The position requires motivated, well-organized individuals with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform basic histological techniques including tissue processing, embedding and sectioning.
• Learn and perform immunohistochemical techniques and microscopy, including immunostaining and acquiring micrographs.
• Fix tissue and/or cells, embed tissue in paraffin or OCT, and perform sectioning.
• Closely work with the lab manager and perform mouse husbandry on 5-8 different transgenic and targeted mouse lines, including genotyping, weaning, mouse line maintenance, and general husbandry.
• Aid in mouse dissection and tissue collection and processing.
• Independently perform basic molecular biology techniques including DNA isolation, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, qRT-PCR, and cell culture experiments and maintenance.
• Generate gastrointestinal organoids from tissue and maintain intestinal organoids in vitro.
• Perform basic lab maintenance responsibilities including glassware washing, solution making, and laboratory organization.
• Maintain accurate records of animals and experimental procedures.
• Assist in writing protocols, optimizing experiments, backing up computers, performing statistical analysis, and recording experimental protocols and data.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and two years work experience in a clinical or research setting; a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science may be substituted for the two years of required experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or other life or health science is preferred.
• Previous laboratory experience is considered helpful but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position (Frequent).
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position (Continuous).
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile (Frequent).
• Ability to climb, using step stool (Infrequent).
• Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries (Infrequent).
• Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces (Continuous).
• Ability to bend at the waist (Frequent).
• Ability to twist at the waist (Frequent).
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms (Continuous).
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders (Frequent).
• Ability to fully use both legs (Frequent).
• Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions (Frequent).
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction (Continuous).
• Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted (Infrequent).
• Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted (Infrequent).
• Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level (Frequent).
• Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements (Continuous).
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes (Continuous).
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally (Continuous).
• Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems (Continuous).
• Ability to hear and/or understand conversations (Continuous).
• Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous).
• Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually (Continuous).

Additional New Requirements

• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Benefits

Commensurate with experience.

Pay

$37,200.00 - $59,500.00 per year

Schedule

40 hours per week