Laboratory Research Technician III

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pittsburgh's Rizzo Laboratory is seeking a Laboratory Research Technician III to perform in vitro and in vivo experiments, manage specimen records, and contribute to publications and grant proposals.

You will conduct ELISAs, western blots, cell culture, and mouse work, analyze data with Excel, GraphPad Prism, and R, and collaborate with Dr. Rizzo to prepare figures and manuscripts for publication. This on-campus role offers full-time hours and structured training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 2 years of laboratory research experience.
• Experience with ELISAs, western blots, cell culture, and mouse work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of laboratory experiments including cell culture, in vitro assays, and molecular techniques.
• Analyze data and prepare graphs, tables, and charts to document results.
• Maintain, calibrate, and test laboratory equipment for sterility and reliability.
• Maintain organized experimental records and present results at lab meetings.

Skills

Lab techniques

Data analysis

Record keeping

Equipment maintenance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Excel

GraphPad Prism

R

Job description

Performs a variety of independent laboratory work and experiments such as determining experimental protocols and preparation of specimens and cultures. Prepares reports of findings subsequent to compilation and analyzation. Oversees specimen inventory. Develops documentation for publication; crafts manuscripts and grant proposals.

Med-Medicine

The Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Division is made of up approximately 70 clinical staff and over 100 research staff who work in a variety of locations including: Bridgeside Point, Biomedical Science Tower (BST), UPMC Hospitals including Presbyterian, Shadyside, East, Jameson and Mercy. The division provides world class services across 10 inpatient services at five hospitals and over 70,000 outpatient office visits. We have a major research mission that focuses on basic, clinical, and translational research on the lung, microbiome, COVID-19, sleep medicine, and allergy and immunology.

The Rizzo laboratory is hiring a laboratory technician at the Tech III level. Dr. Alicia Rizzo is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. The goal of the laboratory is to determine the mechanisms by which the glycocalyx, a layer of sugar molecules that lines both the airways and the blood vessels of the lung, mediates the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis, and to develop treatments for these conditions. Current projects include 1) a mechanistic study of the role of the glycocalyx in supporting pulmonary surfactant, 2) a clinical study of the impact of glycocalyx degradation on physiology and patient outcomes in ARDS, and 3) optimization of a rapid assay to measure circulating glycocalyx fragments in sepsis.

The Rizzo laboratory technician’s duties will include performing in vitro assays (ELISAs, western blots, cell culture, molecular assays), in vivo (mouse) experiments, and processing airspace fluid samples we collect from ICU patients. They will also be responsible for maintaining highly organized experimental records, performing data analysis, and presenting experimental results at laboratory meetings. They will also work closely with Dr. Rizzo to create figures for publications and grant proposals.

The Rizzo laboratory is funded by the NIH/NHLBI and the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Rizzo highly values diversity in biomedical sciences and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply for this position.

Essential Functions

• Perform a variety of laboratory experiments, including cell culture, in vitro assays and molecular techniques, and mouse work, including microsurgical procedures.
• Analyzes data and prepares graphs, tables, and charts to document experimental results using common statistical programs including Excel, GraphPad Prism, and R.
• Keeps detailed, accurate, and timely data and logbooks. Organizes and documents results.
• Maintains, calibrates, cleans, and tests laboratory equipment for sterility.

Physical Effort

Must be able to sit/stand for up to 8 hours. Lifting boxes with supplies (up to ~10lbs).

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

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Laboratory Research Technician III

Job Family

Research

Job Sub-Family

Laboratory

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years Of Experience Required

2

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; 8am - 4:30pm

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

Cover Letter