Senior Research Technician

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 62,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Senior Research Technician IV to support preclinical therapeutic development in the Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine. You will culture genotype-defined cellular models, run biochemical and molecular assays, and collaborate with teams in computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and translational neuroscience.

The role requires independent execution, meticulous record-keeping, and strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, pharmacology, or related field.
• At least three years of relevant research experience or equivalent.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support preclinical therapeutic development for PDHA1-related PDCD.
• Culture and maintain genotype-defined cellular models (patient fibroblasts, iPSCs, neuronal and glial systems).
• Conduct biochemical, molecular biology, and pharmacology experiments; perform enzyme and metabolic assays.
• Assist with compound screening and characterization; support mouse colony management and phenotyping.
• Maintain detailed records, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals.

Skills

Cell culture techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Biochemical assays

Data analysis & visualization

Education

Bachelor's degree

3+ years related research experience

Tools

Mammalian cell culture equipment

Job description

Senior Research Technician

Med-Pediatrics - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26005203)

This position is for the Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine within the Department of Pediatrics. Equivalent relevant work experience may be substituted for degree requirement. This position is located at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check will be required prior to the start of employment. Also, a current TB test will be required as a condition of employment. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.

• Brief Job Duties: The Research Technician IV will support preclinical therapeutic development for PDHA1-related pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD), a mitochondrial disorder of carbohydrate oxidation associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Responsibilities include culturing and maintaining genotype-defined cellular models (including patient fibroblasts, pseudodiploid neuronal cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells [iPSCs], and differentiated neuronal and glial systems); conducting biochemical, molecular biology, and pharmacology experiments; performing enzyme activity, metabolic flux, and mitochondrial function assays (e.g., Seahorse analyses); assisting with compound screening and characterization; supporting mouse colony management and phenotyping studies; maintaining detailed research records; analyzing data; and contributing to manuscript and grant preparation. The position requires independent experimental execution, troubleshooting of complex protocols, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry, mitochondrial biology, and translational neuroscience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related field with at least three years of relevant research experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). A Master's degree in a related discipline is desirable. Prior experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, metabolic assays, and/or mouse models is preferred. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, detail-oriented, and highly motivated individual who is eager to learn, capable of working independently, and enthusiastic about contributing to a multidisciplinary research program spanning drug discovery, cellular neuroscience, mitochondrial biology, and translational animal studies.

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

• Performs a variety of independent and complex laboratory work and experiments, including determining experimental protocols and preparing laboratory specimens and cultures. Provides research experiment design expertise.
• Analyzes experimental data and interprets results; compiles results; writes reports and summaries of findings.
• Maintains and oversees specimen inventory and ordering. Maintains lab and chemical inventory.
• Keeps detailed, accurate, and timely data and log books.
• Prepares data, graphs, tables, and charts to document experimental results for publication.
• Writes manuscripts and grant proposals; performs literature searches; summarizes findings for reports and written documentations.
• Develops expert recommendations and problem resolutions to improve research efforts.
• Serves as Safety Officer as directed and/or needed.

Physical Effort

Light to medium; no heavy lifting.

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

Position will require flexibility with shift/hours; evenings and weekends possible, depending on experimental needs such as cell culture work, mouse handling, or some time-dependent assays.

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

The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents

Resume

Optional Documents

Cover Letter

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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