Lab Technician

Job Summary

The lab technician will assist with research and administrative/management tasks of the Zak laboratory. The laboratory is interested in the development of novel immunotherapies for cancer using computational, experimental and clinical research approaches. We are particularly focused on therapies that modulate myeloid cells including antibodies, small molecules and radiation, alone or in combination with existing immunotherapies. The technician will assist with mouse maintenance and research as well as research using human cells and tissue. The technician will participate in research projects and have opportunities to contribute to publications. Attention to detail, reliability, teamwork, flexibility and desire to learn and master new techniques are required for this position. Prior experience with in vivo mouse techniques including injections, oral gavage, tissue harvest, anesthesia preferred but not required.

Minimum Qualifications

Required: willingness to obtain training and perform work with mice, at least some prior research experience, ability to perform calculations, ability to prepare reports, availability for in-person work. Preferred but not required: experience with rodent experimental research, experience in experimental immunology. Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve - which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming - with impact worldwide. In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.

Responsibilities

• Assistance with mouse colony management (weaning, genotyping, breeding, records keeping)
• Assistance with mouse experiments focused on cancer immunotherapy and immunology
• Immunological assays in mouse and human cells (T cell activation, T cell proliferation, myeloid suppression etc.)
• Tissue processing
• Maintenance and ordering of equipment and research supplies
• Antibody-based staining and flow cytometry
• Isolation of RNA from cells and tissue
• Maintenance and preparation of cell lines for in vivo and in vitro experiments
• Maintenance of raw data backup
• Working with other members of the laboratory to plan and complete experiments in the area of cancer immunology. This research work involves independent judgment and basic theoretical knowledge of biology and scientific methods. The work is team based and overseen by the PI Jerry Zak.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment. Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals). Seldom: Exposure to animals.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances. Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment, ability to create and analyze statistical calculations and prepare reports required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the certification may be required by some departments. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

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