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.

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

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
• Implementation of technologies such as AI to streamline lab operations
• 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.