Research Technologist I

Position Description:

Summary

Under general supervision provide support for laboratory research through projects, maintenance and communication of data, and execution of laboratory experiments.

This role will be in the laboratory of Dr. William Drobyski in the Departments of Medicine and Microbiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin that is focused on transplantation immunology with a specific emphasis on the immunobiology of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and the pathophysiology of graft versus host disease (GVHD).

Specific areas of interest include inflammatory cytokine networks that contribute to GVHD particularly within the gastrointestinal tract using genetically modified mouse models, flow cytometry, q-PCR, RNA-seq, western blot, single cell RNA seq, bioinformatics, and other immunological techniques.

Primary Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental designs for sponsored research projects and perform routine experiments.
• Record and compile accurate records and communicate summaries of experimental results.
• Assist with the evaluation, interpretation and assessment of experimental data and quality control of assays.
• Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data as needed.
• Carry out assigned duties for ordering and maintaining supply of inventories.
• Operate, calibrate and perform routine maintenance on specialized equipment used in research.
• Prepare media and maintain cells by various culturing in techniques.
• Oversee daily lab operation in the absence of the supervisor or Principal Investigator.

To complete experiments, research techniques that are needed include:

• Mouse handling (restraining, ear tagging, weighing)
• Mouse irradiation
• Mouse injections (intravenous and intraperitoneal)
• Mouse tissue harvest (bone marrow, spleen, colon, lymph nodes)
• Processing of tissues into single cell suspensions under sterile conditions
• Multicolor flow cytometry (surface and intracellular)
• Multicolor flow cytometry based cell sorting
• Magnetic or column cell enrichment
• Cell culture (in vitro stimulation, cell differentiation)
• Western blot
• Single cell RNA sequencing (usually 10X)
• Mouse genotyping (PCR & gel electrophoresis)
• PCR
• qPCR
• Future techniques will include spatial transcriptomics, CITE-seq, and tissue histology preparation and processing

Software used in the lab include:

• FlowJo
• GraphPad Prism
• Cytobank
• Microsoft Office
• Quartzy (lab inventory & ordering)
• mLIMS (mouse colony management)
• Sonicu (fridge / freezer temperature monitoring)

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, documentation, and records management. Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills.

Preferred Schedule:



Full-time role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs.

Position Requirements:

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Minimum Required Experience: No experience required

Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Preferred Experience: Mouse handling experience, prior research experience with mouse models, flow cytometry

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination


The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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