Laboratory Research Technician I

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Presencial; USD 36.000 - 48.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a full-time Research Technician I in the Med-Ophthalmology lab to support retinal degeneration and regeneration studies. The role uses CRISPR/Cas9 zebrafish disease models to investigate mechanisms and screen potential therapies.

The candidate will perform a range of experiments, maintain zebrafish lines, oversee day-to-day lab operations, and contribute to innovative research in a collaborative team environment.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology or related scientific field.
• Previous research experience preferred but not mandatory, especially with listed techniques.
• Experience with zebrafish husbandry, imaging, histology, and molecular biology techniques.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct drug screening, histology, confocal imaging, and zebrafish behavior assays.
• Assist data analysis and troubleshooting; maintain accurate lab records.
• Maintain zebrafish stocks and databases; monitor health and perform genotyping.
• Sterilize materials, prepare solutions, and keep a clean, safe workspace.
• Manage lab supplies, ordering, tracking, and receiving materials.

Conocimientos

Zebrafish husbandry

High resolution imaging

Histological processing

Molecular biology techniques

Attention to detail

Independent and collaborative work

Enthusiasm for science

Educación

Bachelor's Degree

Herramientas

PCR

Cloning

RNA/DNA extraction

Descripción del empleo

Performs laboratory testing and some analysis on multiple types of specimen samples. Operates and properly sterilizes equipment and maintains inventory and assists with ordering.

Med-Ophthalmology

A full-time Research Tech I position is available in Dr. Liyun Zhang’s laboratory in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh. The lab focuses on studying the mechanisms of retinal degeneration and regeneration, with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the lab develops zebrafish retinal disease models to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration and perform in vivo phenotypic drug screening to identify potential therapeutic compounds.

Qualification Of Candidate

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, Molecular Biology or related scientific field is required.2) Previous research experience is preferred but not mandatory, especially with the following techniques and skills:
• Zebrafish husbandry (e.g. general care, breeding, genotyping, phenotyping, drug treatments).
• High resolution imaging (e.g. fluorescence and confocal microscopy).
• Histological and immunological tissue processing and sectioning.
• Standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, cloning, RNA/DNA extraction)
• Strong attention to details and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a diverse research team.
• Enthusiasm for science and a proactive mindset to learn new techniques and contribute to innovative research.

Essential Functions

Specific duties & responsibilities: The Research Technician will support the lab’s research activities by conducting experiments, maintaining zebrafish lines, and overseeing general laboratory operations to ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the lab. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform a variety of experiments, such as drug screening, histology, confocal imaging, zebrafish behavior assays, and microinjection. Assist with data analysis and troubleshooting.
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and timely records of experimental data in laboratory records. Document and analyze results and contribute to lab meetings and scientific discussions.
• Maintain zebrafish stocks and zebrafish databases, monitor fish health, and perform genotyping.
• Sterilize experimental materials, prepare solutions, maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering, tracking, receiving, and organizing materials and reagents.

Physical Effort

Must have good stereo vison to effectively use a stereo microscope for larval fish dissection and related tasks.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Laboratory Research Technician I

Job Family

Research

Job Sub-Family

Laboratory

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years Of Experience Required

No experience required

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

M- F 8:30am to 5:00pm

Work Arrangement

On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range

TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered

No

Visa Sponsorship Provided

No

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

Not Applicable