Laboratory Research Technician I- Kuhn Lab

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pittsburgh, in the Immunology department, seeks a full-time Laboratory Research Technician I for the Kuhn Lab to support tumor immunology research. The role involves cell culture, mouse work, and collaborative data analysis.

The incumbent will work with a small team, learn new techniques, and maintain detailed records to support diagnostics and potential therapies in cancer research.

Qualifications

• The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in biology, immunology or related field.
• Interest in organismal biological sciences and wet-lab work.
• Ability to handle mice and learn new techniques carefully.
• Strong organization, detail orientation and record keeping.
• Comfort with basic programming and data analysis.
• Mental flexibility to work within a small team.

Responsibilities

• Perform supervised lab work including cell culture and mouse experiments.
• Assist with data analysis and reporting under supervision.
• Maintain equipment, inventory and lab areas.
• Prepare data presentations for group discussions and publications.
• Record results accurately and maintain thorough logs.
• Support lab supervisor and team in daily tasks.

Skills

Organismal biology

Wet-lab procedures

Pipetting & dilutions

Record keeping

Problem solving

Coding basics

R/Python basics

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/immunology

Tools

Flow cytometer

Immunofluorescence microscope

Sterile cell culture equipment

Molecular biology equipment

Job description

Laboratory Research Technician I- Kuhn Lab

Laboratory Research Technician I – Kuhn Laboratory

The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Immunology, is seeking a full-time technician to support newly funded research programs. The Kuhn lab is embedded in the Center for Systems Immunology (CSI) and investigates cell-cell communication in tumor malignancy to uncover fundamental insights into how the tumor microenvironment is assembled on a molecular and cellular level. We develop and apply functional genomics tools to genetically engineer and analyze cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and immune cells in tumors The goal is to identify novel approaches for improved diagnostics and cell therapies in cancer.

The applicant will support the function of the laboratory and assist the supervisor conducting experiments in organismal, cellular, and molecular tumor immunology, with direct supervision. The applicant must be comfortable closely working with a small team of scientists, comfortable handling laboratory mice as part of their research, and eager to learn new laboratory techniques and apply them carefully and accurately.

Required skills:

• Interest in organismal biological sciences.
• Interest in conducting both wet-lab experiments and computational analysis and coding.
• Previous experience with basic wet-lab procedures (pipetting, liquid handling, calculation of dilutions/ratios/concentrations of reagents).
• Demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills, with an understanding how to seek help.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with a conscientious attention to detail.
• Must keep detailed and accurate records.

Desired skills:

• Basic programming skills in R and/or Python; basic understanding and experience in flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, sterile cell culture.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, immunology or related field is required.Knowledge of mathematical and chemical principles.
• Must be highly organized and efficient with their time.
• Must maintain professional demeanor and work well with others.
• Must be able to prioritize daily duties.

Job Summary

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

Essential Functions

• Perform supervised laboratory work/experiments, including guided analysis of cell culture and mouse experiments; gene engineering
• Write reports and summaries of findings with guidance
• work includes molecular biology, cell isolation from mouse organs, sterile cell culture, viral production for gene engineering, flow cytometry, cell sorting, immunofluorescence
• Maintain and oversee lab inventories and lab work areas with guidance
• Maintain mouse colony
• Assist supervisor and other lab members in laboratory procedures
• Work with supervisor to prepare data for presentation to the group and for publication

Physical Effort

“must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.”

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 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

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 Yes

Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable

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