Laboratory Research Technician
Med-Radiation Oncology - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26005700)
Seeking a research technician to work in a dynamic and fast-paced Translational Oncology research laboratory at the Hillman Cancer Center of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The candidate is expected to work independently following the guidance of a physician-scientist in the Department of Radiation Oncology and will carry out experiments investigating pediatric brain tumor cancer biology and radiopharmaceutical therapy. Roles will include cell culture, in vitro cell viability assays, flow cytometry, Western Blot, mouse work including orthotopic tumor implantation, treating tumor-bearing mice with radiation, monitoring tumor growth, and harvesting mouse tissues for further analyses. The candidate is also expected to work with collaborators at the Hillman Cancer Center and the SaMIRA radiopharmacuetical core to perform radiopharmaceutical therapy, SPECT/PET/CT imaging, and MRI and image analysis. Experience in doing basic science research and cell culture is required more specific training will be provided. Good written and communication skills are required.
Candidates should have at least a Bachelors of Science in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, and one year of post-graduate research experience.
Job Summary
Performs a variety of laboratory experiments and procedures. Prepares specimens. Oversees supply management. Operates and properly maintains equipment.
Essential Functions
Duties may include some or all the following:
- Maintain an organized and complete lab notebook of experiments that are performed.
- Propagate cells in cell culture and perform in vitro viability assays and clonogenic assays.
- Perform flow cytometry on murine and human cells (with Hillman flow core) to characterize surface receptor expression.
- Perform Western blots to characterize cell lines, tumor tissues, and mouse tissues.
- Extract DNA and RNA from mouse tumor tissue for next generation sequencing.
- Orthotopic injection of tumor cell lines into mice (training will be provided)
- In-vivo bioluminescence imaging to track tumor growth
- Collecting tumor tissue from mice.
- Treatment of tumor bearing mice with radiation using both external beam and/or radiopharmaceutical therapy
- Work with Pitt’s advanced imaging core to deliver brain specimens for MRI studies.
- Work with the SaMIRA imaging facility at Hillman to design novel radiopharmaceutical therapies
- Work with the SaMIRA imaging facility at Hillman to perform SPECT/PET/CT imaging.
- Work with the SaMIRA imaging facility at Hillman to perform image analysis
- Meet or communicate by e-mail with principal investigator on a regular basis to plan experiments, troubleshoot problems, and discuss results.
- Assist in recruiting new lab members by informing them about the lab and your research.
- Help maintain reagents or equipment in the laboratory with specific jobs, which might include tasks like making buffers, 70% ethanol, etc
- Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment required for specific tests.
- Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents and solutions.
- Assist in the development and optimization of new research procedures and techniques.
- Contribute to a collegial and inclusive environment for the laboratory.
- Work with collaborators at UPMC Hillman and Children’s Hospital.
Physical Effort
Moderate physical effort Moderate physical effort required. May be required to stand/move for several hours at a time. May be required to move objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of equipment.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Assignment Category Full-time regular
Job Classification Staff.Laboratory Research Technician II
Job Family Research
Job Sub-Family Laboratory
Campus Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Years of Experience Required 1
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm
Work Arrangement On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
Hiring Range To be determined based on qualifications
Relocation Offered No
Visa Sponsorship Provided Yes
Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable
Required Documents Resume
Optional Documents Cover Letter