RBL5 Laboratory Research Technician

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description - RBL5 Laboratory Research Technician (24007738)

RBL5 Laboratory Research Technician

Med-Center for Vaccine Research (CVR) - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh (24007738)

This position will serve as a Laboratory Research Technician for the Center for Vaccine Research. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting independent methods and procedures for research involving molecular and cellular biology in the Biosafety Level (BSL) 2 and 3 environments with routine work with viruses in the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL). The incumbent will be required to have good communication skills and the ability to work independently and as a fully productive, cooperative team member. Strict adherence to BSL2/BSL3 procedures is essential.

Research Responsibilities:

1. Designing and conducting independent studies on viruses in BSL2 and BSL3 environments.
2. Analyzing, preparing, and presenting data.
3. Performing advanced virology, microbiology, and molecular biology techniques (virus culture, virus titration, RT-qPCR, RNA extraction, tissue processing for histology and immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, western blot, PCR, culture of primary and transformed cell lines).
4. Basic rat and mouse techniques (injections, blood draws, dissection, necropsy, observations, breeding).
5. Maintaining tissue culture lines and generating primary cell cultures.
6. Independently initiating and troubleshooting research protocols.
7. Supervising and training other professional research personnel in specialized techniques (new personnel, undergraduates, and rotation students).
8. Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
9. Assisting other research personnel in performing research protocols and operating laboratory equipment.
10. Maintaining thorough documentation of laboratory results.
11. Ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies.

Experience working with rodents is preferred but not required.

Laboratory Management Duties:

1. Managing day-to-day lab operations.
2. Physical and electronic management of lab operations.
3. Oversight of laboratory compliance (IACUC, IBC, IRB protocols).
4. Oversight of animal studies including ordering, transfers, and overall study coordination.
5. Oversight of basic lab expenditures such as animal purchases and per diems costs.
6. Lab website updates.
7. Maintenance of grant and publication library for the lab.
8. Any other duties as requested by PI.

This position requires successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulation. This position is eligible for an RBL Premium Payment.

Job Summary:

Performs a variety of independent and complex laboratory work and experiments. Analyzes and interprets data, compiles results, and prepares reports. Maintains inventory, ordering, and logs. Writes manuscripts and grant proposals and prepares data visualizations.

Essential Functions:

Must be able to read and comprehend the English language and have normal visual ability with no hearing impairments. Must possess adequate manual dexterity to perform sensitive laboratory work including work with a BSL3/ABSL3 environment.

Physical Effort:

Position involves frequent movement to various places, occasionally involving heavy equipment and prolonged standing or sitting.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Laboratory Research Technician IV

Job Family: Research

Job Sub-Family: Laboratory

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 3

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: To be determined based on 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

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets