Senior Technical Associate

Company: University of Rochester
Location: Rochester
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Job Description:

Opening

Full Time 40 hours Grade 054 Cancer Center M&D

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:

To provide project management, oversight of laboratory, mouse colony organization, active collaborations, and research support within the laboratory of Dr. Aram Hezel in the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center in pancreatic and hepato-biliary malignancies. Dr. Hezel's lab is focused on the genetics and biology of pancreatic and biliary tract cancers for which mouse models serve a key tool for investigations. The position will require extensive experience in molecular biology, organizational independence, an ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of students, post-docs, and other research technicians and capacity to operate comfortable using a range of experimental systems and techniques. Generally knowledge in basic techniques of molecular biology involving DNA, RNA, proteins, and the preparation and use of recombinant DNA and viral infection of cell kinesis essential. The laboratory is located within the Department of Biomedical Genetics.

The position will require oversight of multiple research projects within the scope of the lab outlined above with students and post-docs acting as the primary researchers. This position will require an ability to support all of these projects in multiple capacities. Additionally the position will require the oversight of a primary research project that will in all in all its aspects, be directly organized, controlled, and executed by the technician. As such independence, a strong work ethic and focus will be critical. For example, one focus is on the development and characterization of additional mouse model of biliary tract cancer. This requires maintaining a colony of genetically engineered mice, dissection of animals, and establishment of primary cell lines. Characterization of the model would require IHC and biochemical evaluation of tumors and derivative cell lines. These experiments would provide the opportunity to work with complex disease models systems closely related at the genetic and physiologic level to their human counterparts. This requires a capacity to design, organize, and analyze experimental data that will serve as an invaluable tool in the publication of papers in scientific journals and future funding opportunities.

In addition, this individual will act as a laboratory manager in research and purchasing of equipment and supplies. This individual is expected to participate in the supervision and training of junior technicians, other laboratory personnel, and graduate students who are learning new techniques. A high level of competence in independent decision making and interpersonal skills will be critical to success in the role.

SUPERVISION:

Individual reports directly to the principal investigator, Dr. Aram Hezel. This position requires independent judgment in experimental planning and design as well as to the ability to troubleshoot and modify experimental methods accordingly. Furthermore, it will be necessary to accurately interpret results and analyze data to ensure the progression of research projects.

TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Laboratory Oversight/Management:

• Coordination of research and data interpretation with multiple University core facilities and other departments including Pathology, Flow Cytometry Core, Mass Spectrometry Resource Lab, Functional Genomics Core, and Mouse Genome Editing Resource.
• Continuously update and maintain all state and Institutional regulatory compliance with University Committee on Animal Resource (UCAR), Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and International Biosafety Committee (IBC).
• Advance and carry on collaboration with other researchers at outside institutions.
• The ability to maintain relationships with contacts inside and outside the University is essential to the productivity and efficiency of the laboratory.
• Oversee laboratory budget for supplies, service, vivarium costs.
• Research literature to design and develop methods and resolution of technical problems in the evaluation of the appropriateness of techniques used in experimental protocols.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Solely responsible for ordering of supplies and equipment, coordinating service support, lab equipment maintenance, monitoring computer based inventories and databases.
• Teaching and supervision of graduate students and to be named junior laboratory technician.Project Management:
  • This individual will be responsible for the oversight of a large colony of engineered mutant mice including over 25 engineered strains and employing complex murine models to supply experimental animals for multiple research projects under three independent Principal Investigators. Colony management will be carried out utilizing complex breeding schemes and genotyping by PCR.
  • Responsible for all correspondence with DLAM, University Animal Resources and animal care technicians
  • Providing direction regarding mouse colony to shared laboratory technicianBench-top
    • Independently design, perform, troubleshoot and interpret cell cycle analysis as well as gene and protein expression analysis using qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization, Western Blot, and immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and microscopy.
    • Independently derive tumor cell lines from in vivo models of cancer and the isolation and growth of primary pancreatic and biliary ductal cell lines.
    • Responsible for the design and generation of lentiviral vectors for shRNA delivery into mammalian primary cells and cell lines. This requires the individual to employ cloning techniques and site directed mutagenesis.
    • Responsible for generating replication incompetent lentivirus containing the above vectors for use in infection of primary human and murine cells, as well as infection of established cell lines. In addition, the individual will be responsible for verification of efficient down regulation of target gene expression and analysis loss of function phenotypes using the techniques listed above.
      REQUIREMENTS:
      
      Master's degree with major course work in the field of assignment. With a Master's Degree, a minimum 3 years of professional experience in the field of assignment. With the equivalent of a Master's Degree in experience, training and education, 5 years in the field of assignment with some independent research experience; or an equivalent combination of experience, training and education.
      
      The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University's mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
      
      How To Apply
      
      All applicants must apply online.
      
      EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Keywords: University of Rochester, Rochester , Senior Technical Associate, IT / Software / Systems , Rochester, New York