Laboratory Research Technician IV

The Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division of the DOM is looking for a laboratory technician. The division is made of up approximately 70 clinical staff and over 100 research staff who work in a variety of locations including: Bridgeside Point, Biomedical Science Tower (BST), UPMC Hospitals including Presbyterian, Shadyside, East, Jameson and Mercy. The division provides world class services across 10 inpatient services at five hospitals and over 70,000 outpatient office visits. We have a major research mission that focuses on basic, clinical, and translational research on the lung, microbiome, COVID-19, sleep medicine, and allergy and immunology.

The incumbent will perform a variety of independent laboratory work and experiments, including determining experimental protocols and preparing laboratory specimens. They will analyze experimental data and interpret the results, compile results, write reports and summaries of findings; keep detailed, accurate and timely data and log books. They will prepare data, graphs, tables, and charts to document experimental results for publication, consult with other researchers and staff regarding laboratory procedures and experiments, work closely with the Lab Manager for assay development and protocol, and help with specimen processing for numerous research and clinical studies.

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.

Performs DNA and RNA isolation from a variety of biological specimens, quantification, and quality control (QC) analysis, including generation and interpretation of QC reports using Bioanalyzer system. Performs genotyping analysis using TaqMan qPCR assays, including probe selection, assay optimization, experiment setup, allele discrimination, and report generation. Protein extraction from tissues, conducts protein quantification using BSA method, performs protein analysis using techniques such as Western blotting, ELISA. Utilizes multiplex immunoassay platforms (including MSD, Bio-Plex) for biomarker and cytokine analysis. Performs machine maintenance procedures such calibration and validation. Familiarity with TECAN. Conducts gene promoter activity analysis using luciferase reporter system. Basic cell culture and co-culture, plasmid transfection, virus transduction, basic cellular function measurements such as cell death, apoptosis, proliferation. Molecule cloning. Generate genetically modified cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 system.

Must be able to sit/stand for up to 8 hours a day.