Career Center

Job Code- 8352R2
Researcher 2

About the Lab:
Our lab is investigating the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in intestinal inflammation.  We are interested in better understanding disease processes in children with intestinal disorders, with a particular interest in the role of the enteric nervous system (ENS). To accomplish this, we use mouse models of colitis and cell culture models to test hypotheses driving our work. This involves harvesting intestines and brains for histopathology and isolating protein and RNA from these organs to check the gene expression levels using Western blots/ ELISA and qPCR assays respectively. We use ECIS (Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing) assays to assess the epithelial barrier integrity when cells are under the influence of various medications/chemicals. Our long-term goal is to understand the role of the ENS in intestinal health and disease in children and to characterize its potential for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

About the Job:
This position encompasses a wide variety of duties and responsibilities ranging from performance of experimental  protocols, to  laboratory coordination  and administrative work. Routine  duties include, but are not limited to, biological sample production and inventory maintenance; organization, cleaning, and maintenance of common laboratory space, supplies, and equipment; conducting primary research
in both in vitro and in vivo models; troubleshooting and modifying procedures to fit changing needs of
research staff; maintaining regulatory records and documentation such as IACUC protocols, controlled substance use logs, training records, and surgical procedures documentation; serving as catch-all problem solver and answerer of laboratory related questions.

Specific duties include:

Research (80%)

• Execute complex, multi-step procedures as described in established protocols or by instruction from senior research staff in both in vivo and in vitro models. Maintain cell lines and animal colonies used in experimental protocols.

Lab Organization (10%)

• Maintain supply inventory by placing and receiving routine orders. Clean and organize equipment and supplies - w ash, sterilize, pack supplies and equipment needed for sterile procedures.
• Maintain laboratory space, equipment, and supplies in such a manner as to facilitate undisrupted work-flow including general cleaning and organization, in-house equipment maintenance, and scheduling of services by outside technicians.
• Trouble shoot technical problems and perform regular maintenance on equipment including, but not limited to, biosafety cabinet, desktop- and ultra-centrifuges, a variety of pipettes, desktop computers and printers (set -up, configure, install software and OS).

Record Keeping (10%)

• Records keeping and administrative work such as IACUC documentation, controlled substances logs, current protocol documentation, data collection, staff training history, and reading and editing manuscripts (with potential to help generate), grant applications, proposals, and presentation posters and slides.
 

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:
• BA/BS and 1 year of related experience or a combination of education and experience to total five years.
• Experience in animal procedures ,cell culture and sterile techniques

Preferred Qualifications:
• Background in Neuroscience
• Sttandard molecular biology techniques
• Immunohistochemistry