Summary:

Reporting to the principal investigator (PI), the incumbent will independently be responsible for overseeing lab operations in a lab dedicated to the study of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms causative to the development of childhood cancers, with the goal of identifying new drug targets and improving treatment options.

 

Individual will assist with ordering, maintaining budgets, writing protocols, ensuring compliance with animal and safety regulations, and supervising undergraduate research assistants. They will work directly with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in support of ongoing research projects. Qualified individuals will also have the opportunity to carry out independent research projects.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Molecular Biology and Cell/ Tissue Culture                                                             Time 45%

 

A. Independently perform studies under the general guidance of the PI. Projects will require theoretical knowledge of molecular biology techniques.

 

B. Grow and maintain mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions.

 

C. Perform DNA transfections and genome editing experiments, generate stable cell lines by antibiotic selection and subcloning.

 

D. Extract nucleic acids and protein, gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Independently perform DNA cloning, plasmid mini and maxi prep, DNA gel purification.

 

E. Design and perform PCR and quantitative real-time PCR experiments and associated data analysis.

 

F. Design and execute chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments using an automated liquid handler.

 

Lab Management                                                                                                       Time 30%

 

A. Serve as laboratory coordinator and oversee the work in the laboratory, including the coordination of equipment by staff members and providing work direction to other research associates and students in the laboratory.

 

B. Train students, lower-level staff, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students on different experiment techniques and processes used in the lab.

 

C. Oversee and coordinate equipment selection, purchase and installation, negotiating and initiating maintenance contracts and repairs. Maintain relationships with vendors and perform price negotiations.

 

D. Keep inventory and order supplies and reagents. Monitor lab expenditures/grant spending.

 

E. Maintain and update Biohazard Use Authorizations and Controlled Substance Use Authorizations.

 

F. Serve as contact for construction and maintenance of facilities issues for lab areas. Work with facilities management to problem solve and find solutions for ongoing facilities issues, maintenance and space requirements.

 

G. Ensure laboratories are clean and in good working order. Ensure a pleasant working environment in the lab and provide assistance to other lab members.

 

Sample and Protocol Managemengt, Scientific Development                                Time 15%

A. Independently coordinate sample shipments, receive and inventory cell, tissue and nucleic acid samples.

 

B. Develop and maintain database of received samples and processes performed.

 

C. In collaboration with lab members, write and maintain electronic library of commonly used laboratory protocols, plasmids and enzymes.

 

D. Independently stay up-to-date on current literature and novel methods, contribute to experiment planning and protocol development.

 

Lab Safety Offcier                                                                                                       Time 10%

A. Serve as lab safety officer to ensure that safe work practices are followed as per EH&S guidelines, including handling of chemical and biohazardous materials.

 

B. Ensure compliance with lab, department, University, State, and Federal safety-related mandates and guidelines.

 

C. Maintain and update all EH&S required safety documents (LHAT, Exposure Control Plan, CHUA)

 

D. Oversee and document that all lab members receive proper training courses relevant to biosafety and new research techniques. Maintain accurate training records for all personnel in lab.

 

E. Preside over and organize inspections of laboratory.

 

F. Responsible for hazardous waste disposal.

 

Education and/or Experience:

 

Bachelors degree in biological sciences and at least 2 years of experience in a biomedical research lab are required.  For candidates with a Masters degree, at least 1 year of lab experience is required.

 

Background in neuroscience, developmental biology and/or cancer biology is helpful.  Experience working with research animals, especially small animal surgery, is highly desired.

 

Must have professional-level experience with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn department-specific programs and equipment as needed.

 

Successful candidates will have a professional demeanor, strong analytical and organizational skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to interact effectively with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds.

 

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

A. Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology or a Bachelor’s of Science degree in an appropriated field of science or technology or equivalent in education and experience.

 

B. Demonstrated experience in molecular biology techniques, including most of the following: recombinant DNA cloning, DNA and RNA purification, RT-PCR, PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, electrophoresis, Western blotting. Demonstrated ability to calculate and prepare solutions and dilutions.

 

C. Proficiency in aseptic tissue culture technique. Demonstrated ability to maintain, pass, transfect, treat and preserve mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions. Understanding of cell growth and differentiation, media requirements, and contamination issues.

 

D. Knowledge of personal computers and software to include experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe CS (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat)

 

E. Demonstrated experience in general laboratory housekeeping procedures including maintaining inventory and equipment, ordering supplies, preparing solutions, maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

 

Leads and trains other laboratory staff in procedures required.

 

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals.