Research Technician

Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Research Technician in the laboratory of Dr. Bryan Roth, Michael Hooker Distinguished Professor of Protein Therapeutics and Translational Proteomics, UNC School of Medicine. The Roth lab studies the structures and function of G-Protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The research technician will conduct experiments supported by the National Institute of Health within the research areas of Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (PDSP) which provides screening assays at G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) at no cost for eligible investigators.

The PDSP performs assays in a high-throughput screening (HTS) fashion. The plates are prepared using an automatic liquid handler and an automatic storage manager (robots). The main task for the research technician is to assist operating the robots, the selected candidate will be trained for the robot operation. The PDSP recycles the conductive tips used by the robot, the research technician will also help with the conductive tip racking and washing.

Additionally, this technician will also be trained to carry out pharmacologic radioligand binding and cell-based functional assays in a HTS fashion with the large collection of GPCRs, transporters, and ion channels. The results for these assays will be posted on the PDSP database, carefully reviewed by the QC team, and once approved available online for the investigator.

The technician will help with the lab maintenance tasks: prepare lab stock supplies, buffers, reagents, and other components to carry out assays. Comply with all radioactive usage protocols, waste disposal, autoclaving and usage record keeping, safety and common-sense techniques.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Management Preferences

• Experience with pipetting small volume solutions, and basic cell culture techniques
• Previous related experience
• Knowledge of GPCR, cellular biology or pharmacology