Research Technician III- Mendes Lab

001 University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mendes lab at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY is seeking a Senior Research Technician to support day-to-day lab operations and advanced experiments in neuroscience.

You will manage mouse colonies, assist with experiments, train staff, ensure safety and compliance, and contribute to study design under Dr. Mendes.

Experience with RNA isolation, qPCR, and protein assays, plus strong organizational skills, is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required with 5 years of lab/research experience.
• Associate's degree in Neuroscience, Health Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience in animal (mouse) work and cell culture; routine biochemical and molecular techniques preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage transgenic and knockout mouse colonies, including breeding and protocol maintenance.
• Coordinate and perform cell biology, molecular biology assays, and data collection.
• Train and mentor lab personnel in techniques, equipment use, and safety practices.

Skills

Transgenic mouse handling

Molecular biology

Cell culture

RNA isolation

qPCR

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate's degree in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

PCR machines

Microscopy

Western blot

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address): 220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening: Worker Subtype: Regular Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Department: 400010 Neuroscience Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URG 106 H Compensation Range: $21.78 - $30.53 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities: The Mendes lab in the Department of Neuroscience studies how astrocytes and neurons communicate across brain states, behavior, and disease. The research technician will play a key role in the day-to-day research activities and operational management of the laboratory. The successful candidate will be asked to execute complex experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and contribute to the design, implementation, and optimization of ongoing research projects. The successful candidate will provide technical expertise and operational leadership, establish and maintain consistent experimental practices, and train and mentor laboratory personnel in research techniques, equipment use, and laboratory procedures. Under the direction of Dr. Mendes, the Senior Research Technician will also contribute to the development and implementation of specialized experimental approaches, coordinate laboratory operations, and help ensure compliance with institutional policies and responsible stewardship of laboratory resources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The role involves independently managing transgenic and knockout mouse colonies, including breeding, record-keeping, and the preparation and modification of animal research protocols, while working closely with Vivarium and DLAM staff. Responsibilities include ordering animals and laboratory supplies. Coordinating laboratory instrument maintenance and overseeing routing biochemical and molecular biological assays. Additional duties include contributing to experimental design and independently executing, troubleshooting, and optimizing research methods, protocols, and assays; overseeing general laboratory functions, including inventory management and supply ordering, and training new personnel in fundamental laboratory techniques. Collaboration with undergraduate, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will support research projects involving experiments in cells and biological tissues using cell biology, biochemical and molecular techniques. The positions required proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques, including RNA isolation, quantitative PCR, DNA cloning and expression, cell culture, SD-PAGE, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Other responsibilities include independently planning and conducting standardized technical procedures and laboratory experiments, maintaining accurate research and colony records and coordinating laboratory compliance requirements, including Institutional Biosafety Committee approvals and EH&S and DLAM training and annual renewals for laboratory personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Utilizes new and innovative research techniques involving a high degree of skill and training. May include performing reviews of the literature, applying acquired knowledge to new experimental questions, and participating in the selecting and designing of appropriate tasks to address relevant scientific questions. Performs moderate to complex analysis and calculation of data; interprets and makes recommendations. Organizes and manages data, conducts tests, and performs statistical analysis on data using statistical software. Includes organizing technicians and coordinating experiments Produces data tables and figures for research papers and presentation and reviews the draft material for content, organization, clarity, grammar and style. In particular, ensures that writing is accessible to a wide range of individuals with varying degrees of literacy. May serve as the leader for the testing of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances including primary responsibility for testing and maintaining personal protective equipment, devices and equipment. Works closely with the physical processes used to sample or measure environmental actions including establishing grids, monitoring stack releases and sampling for hazardous materials. Provides technical oversight to lower-level research technicians. Coordinates the training and performance of lower-level technicians and students. Inspects completed work and assures quality and compliance of standards and specifications; determines needs, develops specifications and selects vendors and equipment for testing. Educates on the monitoring and sampling of equipment; may train staff and identify technical training needs Serves as department representative for information and questions concerning testing, sampling and monitoring methods and practices; reviews and revises procedures and policies according to best research practices. Works closely with Principal Investigator and other research staff to modify or develop new procedures and policies. May prepare and monitor a lab budget, working closely with department administrators and centralized finance teams. Keeps current with industry standards, best practices, and trends in health sciences, Attends/participates in weekly lab meetings, and, as appropriate, institutes and seminars. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or GED and 5 years experience with performing basic sampling, monitoring or research activities; compiling and collecting data and preparing reports required

Associate's degree in Neuroscience, Health Science, Biology, Chemistry or other science related field of study preferred Or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience in animal (mouse) work and cell culture work. Experience in routine biochemical and molecular biological techniques, and practical laboratory and animal experience are strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and scientific methods required Experiential knowledge of the workings of an academic research laboratory, including general knowledge of biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology methods. Microscopy skills are beneficial. Ability to work independently and the capacity to design, organize, and analyze experimental data that serves as an invaluable tool in the publication of papers in scientific journals and obtaining future funding preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication preferred Good organizational skills, ability to use good judgment, and demonstrate attention to detail are necessary preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries - always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals. At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.