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Positions available: Research technician and post-doctoral/research scholar

Research Technician 

The Mastrianni Lab is looking to hire a full-time research technician. A position summary, required qualifications, and responsibilities are outlined below. To apply, email a cover letter and CV to Dr. Mastrianni. Please only apply if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Job Summary
This position entails routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

  • Research lab studies on prion diseases, which are transmissible neurodegenerative diseases. Some human brain samples may need to be handled under strict safety requirements, so adherence to safety measures is a high priority.
  • Genetic screening of several transgenic mouse lines, using PCR protocols, will be a major aspect of this job.
  • Works with mice, including behavioral monitoring, recovery of tissues, brain dissections, and histological processing.
  • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
  • Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
  • Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
  • Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A college or university degree in related field
  • Knowledge and skills developed through > 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Neuroscience background or experience coordinating neuroscience-based clinical trials.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology/environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat.

Preferred Competencies

  • Interact and communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy with patrons, patients, staff, faculty, students, and others.
  • Effectively work in teams.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Strong communication skills, verbal and written. Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong data management skills and attention to detail.
  • Multi-task on multiple projects assign and prioritize.
  • Adaptability to changing working situations and work assignments.
  • Absorb large amounts of information quickly.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)

Post-doctoral/Research Scholar

The Mastrianni Lab is looking to hire a full-time post-doctoral or research scholar. A position summary, required qualifications, and responsibilities are outlined below. To apply, email a cover letter and CV to Dr. Mastrianni. Please only apply if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Job Summary
Investigate the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for distinct neurological disorders using genetic mouse models. The individual will be responsible for using a variety of molecular biological, biochemical, cell biological, histological, physiological and behavioral approaches to characterize mouse models that display symptoms of neurological disorders. A major emphasis will be to develop strategies for treatment of prion diseases. A transgenic mouse developed in our lab models genetic prion disease and will form the basis of these studies. Using drug treatments and genetic approaches, especially RNAi, to turn off prion protein expression or modify its’ cell biology in such a way as to render it non-toxic. RNAi experience in in vivo systems is therefore a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Performs basic scientific research using a variety of techniques and approaches to gain a better understanding of neurological conditions using genetic mouse model systems. Cell culture and in vivo RNAi experience necessary.
  • Familiarity with all aspects of molecular cloning, including construction of prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression vectors, DNA sequencing, stable and transient transfection, gene expression assays (e.g. CAT, B-galactosidase, Luciferase assay, and GFP reporter systems). Southern and Northern blotting, site-directed mutagenesis, PCR based methods (including real time RT-PCR), RNase protection assay, in vitro transcription and translation, siRNA technology, microarray analysis, protein purification with affinity chromatography, and apoptosis assays (Hoechst stains, cell proliferation, etc.). Confocal microscopy will be utilized for colocalization studies of PrP with cellular organelles, as will immuno EM techniques. Protein expression, isolation, and detection, pulse-chase studies, cell fractionations, and other cell biological procedures should be mastered.
  • Supervises research technician(s) that provide general technical support for all members of the laboratory. Assists and provides technical and general scientific advice to other members of the laboratory.
  • Assists or leads in identifying and applying for sources of outside funding. Assists in preparing manuscripts and presentations at meetings.
  • Recognizes abnormal results and troubleshoots conditions or procedures to correct problems. Adapts existing procedures to current work needs and makes significant contributions to methodology. Summarizes results and assists in interpreting experimental findings.
  • Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
  • Collaborates on development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations.
  • May present work at scientific meetings.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Doctoral level degree in neuroscience or related discipline.
  • Knowledge and skills developed through > 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Postdoctoral level research experience.
  • Broad knowledge in molecular and cell biological techniques, as well as experience in genetics, mouse models and histology; additional experience in RNAi techniques (in vitro and in vivo).
  • Demonstrated ability to publish first-author peer-reviewed papers.

Preferred Competencies

  • Interact and communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy with patrons, patients, staff, faculty, students, and others.
  • Attention to detail; maintain confidentiality.
  • Strong communication skills, verbal and written. Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong data management skills and attention to detail.
  • Multi-task on multiple projects assign and prioritize.
  • Adaptability to changing working situations and work assignments.
  • Absorb large amounts of information quickly.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)