RESEARCH STUDY TECHNICIAN, School of Dental Medicine, Molecular & Cell Biology

Job Description

The incumbent will use a variety of molecular, cell biology, and biochemical techniques under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator to implement an NIH-funded research program. Common experimental procedures include growing and harvesting bacteria and eukaryotic cells, preparing plasmid DNA, RNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, transfections, expression and purification of recombinant proteins, western and northern blotting, PCR, sample preparation for conventional and NextGen sequencing, in vivo cross-linking and deep sequencing, mitochondrial preparation and characterization. The research component will constitute approximately 75% of the effort. A significant degree of independence is expected in conducting all experimental tasks. The remaining effort will be applied to lab management, including ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, communicating with vendors and facilities, maintaining lab stocks, collections and depositories, and supervising lab assistants. 

Responsibilities

Experimental Work:

• Growing and harvesting bacteria and cell cultures 
• Plasmid DNA preparation and analysis 
• Cell culture maintenance and transfections
• Agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis 
• Western, northern and Southern blotting 
• DNA and RNA isolation 
• Polymerase chain reaction, genotyping and sequencing 
• Protein purification, sample preparation for mass spectrometry
• Library preparation for RNA-seq, iCLIP, eCLIP and ribosome profiling 

Laboratory Management

• Maintaining laboratory equipment, stocks and repositories 
• Communicating with vendors and facilities 
• Ordering supplies 
• Other duties as directed by the Principal Investigator

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required and 1-3 years' experience in molecular or cell biology or biochemistry, plus practical laboratory experience
• Knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and basic chemistry
• Practical skills in the preparation of chemical solutions, media, and other stocks
• Practical skills in sterile cell culture techniques
• Practical skills in molecular cloning, PCR, nucleic acids isolation, and analysis
• Practical skills in growing bacterial cultures and other cultures
• Practical skills in acrylamide and agarose gels
• Ability to keep lab records, use public databases, and online tools and applications

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.