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Department: MED-Neurological Surgery
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Job Summary:

The laboratory of Dr. Atique Ahmed conducts basic and translational studies of cancer stem cell biology and epigenetic regulation of cellular plasticity in brain tumors. Current research in our lab focuses on understanding the evaluation of therapeutic resistance and disease recurrence in brain cancer, including investigating the role of cellular and epigenetic plasticity in brain tumor recurrence, advancing understanding of the Cancer Stem Cell Theory, and developing effective targeted therapy for brain tumor recurrence.  We use a combination of stem and cancer cell biology, advanced molecular biology techniques such as DNA chip technology, Next-Gen Sequencing, Chip-seq analysis, transgenic animal models and patient-derived orthotopic brain tumor animal models, as well as advance in vivo imaging techniques to understand the molecular mechanism of therapeutic resistance and disease recurrence in brain tumor.

The Research Technologist will study the molecular mechanisms that contribute to therapeutic resistance in cancer, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities to conduct cutting-edge research with the intention of publishing the results in pre-eminent peer-reviewed scientific journals such as Cell or Nature. Specific duties include: conducts tests and procedures; sets up and operates equipment; records observations and measurements and collects as well as compiles data; conduct basic animal and experimental research lab work and/or assist in one or more phases of specific projects.

Please note: Incumbent will spend up to 50% of each shift walking and standing, between research labs and other sterile environments.

Incumbent will spend up to 75% of each shift performing tasks requiring manual dexterity and fine motor skills to perform procedures on mice.

Must be able to lift 20 to 25 lbs. Must be able to work occasional evening, weekend and/or holiday hours.

Must be able to read, write and comprehend English in order to understand signage and to read and update animal health records.

Specific Responsibilities:

�       Follows pre-defined protocols, policies, procedure, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices and conducts standard and repetitive experiments and completes basic trouble-shooting techniques. 

�       Sets-up, operates and maintains standard lab equipment.

�       Using an entry level of skill, completes the following activities: 

o    Molecular Biology:

�  DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression  Southern, Northern, Western blotting

�  PCR, RT-PCR

�  Plasmid preparation

�  Cloning, mapping,

�  and sequencing of DNA

�  Recombinant virus production and purification

o    Cellular Biology:

�  Cell culture, cell isolation

�  Functional studies

�  Transfection

o    Animal:

�  Husbandry

�  Breeding  and screening transgenic mice

�  Dissections

�  Blood collection

�  Surgical procedures

�  Database management of colony

�       Records test results and may maintain databases.  

�       Completes standard and routine clerical duties such as copying, filing, data entry, word processing, etc. 

�       Maintains inventory of reagents, mice and lab supplies

Miscellaneous

�       Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

�       HS diploma or equivalent and some basic science courses is required.

�       Preferred Qualifications:

�       Bachelors degree in relevant field (cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biophysics, etc.)

�       Experience working on brain tumor or translational cancer research.

�       Experience working in a laboratory environment with mouse models.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

�       Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions and research protocols.

�       Demonstrated computer proficiency, including spreadsheets and word processing.

�       Attention to detail, ability to ensure ongoing organization of laboratory environment.

�       Precise and accurate record keeping, adherence to ethical standards of research.

�       Ability to work reliably, both independently and in a team environment.

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