Research Technician

The faculty in MBM are united by a common interest in the biology of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) and the effects of microbes on human and animal hosts. The microbial pathogens program studies microorganisms that cause infectious diseases, with emphasis on rigorous analysis of these pathogens and the immune responses that restrict them. Program investigators direct detailed studies of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and eukaryotic parasites. Research topics include structural analysis of virus entry, viral evolution, viral oncogenes, intracellular bacterial pathogens, microorganisms that cause diarrhea and pneumonia, intracellular signaling, pathogen adhesion, genetic determinants involved in susceptibility to infection, vaccine development, and identification of novel antimicrobial agents.

The position will involve a blend of an independent laboratory-based research project and assisting others with their projects. Under senior lab member's guidance, the technician may conduct a range of experiments utilizing diverse skills, including RNA and DNA extraction, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, quantitative analysis, R/Python programming, and the rigorous examination of large clinical datasets. In this role, the technician will also be responsible for recording test results, performing statistical data analysis, and communicating results to PI and lab members. This project is highly collaborative, and there will be opportunities for independent research projects in the future.

• Conducts routine experiments following appropriate protocols and procedures to achieve results
• Performs techniques such as culturing bacterial and mammalian (PBMCs, macrophages, fibroblasts, cell lines) cells, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, RT-qPCR, RNAseq, WGS, and Antibody-based assays (ELISA, Luminex, flow cytometry)
• Records and communicates results and maintains accurate records of experiments
• Performs data interpretation with oversight and assists with basic statistics and analysis
• Prepares stock solutions, reagents and other media

Help with laboratory operations (as all lab members do), including (but not limited to) assisting other lab members, ordering supplies and noting inventory, lab organization, and coordinating equipment repair, maintenance including biosafety protocols, MTAs, databases, and processing, storing, and archiving patient samples

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through a BS or BA in a biological science
  Willingness to work with infectious agents in a Biosafety Level 2 environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2+ years of research experience
• Familiarity with microbial or host genetics/genomics and ability to analyze related datasets
• Experience with gene perturbation (siRNA/CRISPR), WGS, and transcriptomic/genomic analysis
• Previous experience working with molecular biology and/or cell biology techniques in a research lab setting are preferred