"Technician B"

Position Summary

The Center for Radiological Research is seeking a technician to work with a group of scientists to study cutting-edge, high throughput protein assays to measure biomarkers and the immune response in blood after x-ray exposure. In addition, the group also focuses on the effect of acute high-dose radiation exposure on the gut microbiome and its impact on gastrointestinal tract injury. Mechanistic studies will be performed to determine the mode of action of a novel drug (radiomitigator) treatment using animal models and human cell-based assays. The program is highly multidisciplinary, encompassing the fields of radiation biology, biochemistry, immunology, biophysics, microbiome genomics, and statistics. We are looking for an enthusiastic team player with strong organizational skills, experience with basic laboratory techniques and knowledge of biological sciences. He/she will execute assay protocols according to standard operating procedures that includes setting up experiments for the radiation exposures and carrying out fully planned experiments and keeping data records. Working under supervision and independently, he/she will assist in design of experiments and protocols and implement blood culture techniques, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and ELISA-based assays. Training will be provided for blood and tissue sample processing, animal handling, as well as immunofluorescent bioassay techniques used to quantify biomarker levels in biological samples after exposure to X rays. The primary work location will be at the Center for Radiological Research at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY.

Responsibilities

• Follow protocols carefully under the supervision of the PI and postdoctoral researcher.
• Receiving calls from potential blood donor volunteers to plan a time for recruitment and blood collection, posting flyers for recruitment.
• Set up blood cultures; prepare solutions; setup and calibrate equipment; and carry out fully planned experiments.
• X-ray irradiation of mice and human blood samples, drug treatment, sample processing and keeping records of the results.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and/or necessary to the functioning of the laboratory such as ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies and their receipt of delivery.
• Order and maintain laboratory supplies, stocks, and inventory.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicant MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered for the position. Requires a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, immunology or related sciences or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must have general knowledge of biology, protein and cell-based assays, and working with data.

Preferred Qualifications

Some laboratory experience is preferred, especially familiarity with cell culture techniques, biological assays, and small animal handling.

Other Requirements

This position works with: Blood sample and tissue processing, Blood sample irradiation (X rays), Mice irradiation (X rays), Cell culture, Instrumentation and measurements.