Laboratory Technician Opportunity in Phage Therapy Research

The Phage; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support a funded research project investigating bacteriophage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections.

The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory work including bacterial susceptibility testing, phage production and purification, and molecular assays, with processing of biospecimens from patients receiving phage therapy.

Qualifications

• Experience with phage work and susceptibility testing.
• Laboratory techniques including qPCR and DNA extraction.
• Careful sample handling, data recording and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Screen bacterial strains for susceptibility to bacteriophages.
• Manufacture and prepare phages for clinical use.
• Perform phage testing, purification, and quality checks.
• Conduct molecular assays including qPCR.
• Extract genomic DNA from lab samples.
• Process biospecimens from patients receiving phage therapy.
• Maintain notebooks, records, and prepare reports.
• Operate, clean, and sterilise lab equipment.
• Manage inventories and assist with ordering.

Skills

Bacteriophage testing

Molecular biology

qPCR

DNA extraction

Data recording

Inventory management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support a funded research project investigating bacteriophage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections.

The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory research involving bacterial susceptibility testing, phage production and purification, molecular assays, and the processing of biospecimens collected from patients receiving phage therapy.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to phage-based therapeutic research and support the development of potential alternatives or complementary approaches to conventional antibiotic treatment.

Key Responsibilities

The Laboratory Research Technician will be responsible for:

• Screening bacterial strains to determine their susceptibility to bacteriophages.
• Manufacturing and preparing bacteriophages for clinical use.
• Performing phage susceptibility testing, purification, and quality testing.
• Conducting molecular assays, including quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
• Extracting genomic DNA from laboratory samples.
• Processing and testing human biospecimens collected from patients receiving phage therapy.
• Performing routine laboratory experiments and analysing results.
• Operating, maintaining, cleaning, and sterilising laboratory equipment.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and research data.
• Organising, documenting, and preparing research reports.
• Managing laboratory inventories and assisting with ordering supplies and chemicals.
• Preparing work areas and maintaining laboratory cleanliness and safety compliance.

Qualifications & Skills Required

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• At least one year of relevant professional experience is required.
• A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the stated education and/or experience requirements.

Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate relevant laboratory skills, including:

• Bacteriophage susceptibility testing and phage handling.
• Molecular biology techniques, particularly qPCR and genomic DNA extraction.
• Laboratory specimen processing and preparation.
• Laboratory equipment operation and maintenance.
• Accurate data recording, documentation, and report preparation.
• Laboratory inventory management and supply ordering.Attention to detail and adherence to laboratory safety procedures.

For more phage-related research and job opportunities, check here