"Life Science Research Professional 2"

The NiRD Lab is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 2 to perform foundational lab management duties in addition to complex functions and experiments involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct a portion of the research project(s) including setting up cell-based assays and conducting preclinical PET imaging to validate and assess the use of novel radiotracers developed to study Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and different types of cancers (especially in the context of optimizing immunotherapy protocols through therapeutic monitoring).

The primary aim of the Neuroimmune Imaging Research and Discovery (NiRD) Lab is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases by developing translational molecular imaging agents for visualizing immune processes underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and glioblastoma, in addition to monitoring response to new therapies for these conditions via novel imaging techniques. We are researching how the brain and its resident immune cells interact with the peripheral immune system at very early, through to late, stages of disease. We are also focused on assessing and optimizing cutting-edge immunotherapy protocols for treating cancer and neurological diseases through positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using new radiotracers under development.

Duties include:

• Oversee the daily activities of the laboratory including maintaining lab stock by performing weekly inventories and placing orders for core laboratory supplies as well as specialty items requested by lab members for ongoing studies.
• Manage chemical inventory and safety records.
• Provide general lab support to lab members with their experiments ad data analysis as needed (e.g., splitting cells, maintaining liquid nitrogen cell tanks, scanning films and slides, performing immunostaining/histologic stains of tissues).
• Maintain and update rodent inventories and create/check-on/take care of specific rodent models as requested by lab members and PI.
• Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
• Independently conduct a portion of specified research project(s). Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
• Independently conduct complex lab experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project.
• Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.
• Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
• Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; apply to ongoing research and development of new protocols.
• Contribute to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the methods and results sections, and to publication of findings. Present ongoing work to colleagues and/or academic conferences.
• Work with the PI of the lab to take the lead on purchasing laboratory equipment as needed.
• Supervise (either formally or informally) staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Neurobiology, Immunology, or related field.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
• Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
• Position may require repetitive motion.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Will require working with/near radionuclides/radioactivity.
• May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
• Will require working in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
• Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
• May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.

The expected pay range for this position is $85,376 to $99,581 per annum.