SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

Position is available in the Lawson Lab in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology (MCCB) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  This position will provide technical and logistical support for an active biomedical research laboratory that utilizes the zebrafish as a model system to study blood vessel development. 

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, this position will plan, organize and perform work and experimental procedures referring major problems to them. The position will involve developing and evaluating new techniques and evaluating data, as well as assisting PI and others in carrying out experiments, maintaining lab organization, recordkeeping, artwork, keeping chemical waste records, ordering supplies and lab neatness.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts in-depth analysis of research experiments
• Performs complex laboratory experiments
• Interprets data, forms conclusion, and decides on and plans next experiments to be done with a high degree of independence
• Compiles and analyzes data and performs computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, and curve fitting software
• May modify protocols and be responsible for a single, independent research project
• Assists in writing the text of scientific publications and grants.  Reviews literature
• Trains new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators
• Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment
• Complies with all safety and infection control standards
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience
• 1 year relevant research experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

May functionally supervise Lab Technicians and Aides

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Wet chemistry laboratory, and may require appropriate contact with biohazards, radionuclides, toxins, animals, and human specimens. 

The successful candidate will conduct research experiments and assist others in executing lab protocols and research experiments, primarily to do the following:

• Perform experiments on zebrafish embryos to study signals that regulate blood vessel development.
• Perform standard cell culture techniques, including growth and maintenance of primary human endothelial cell lines and transfections
• Express and purify recombinant proteins in E. coli    
• Perform microinjections on early zebrafish embryos using mRNA, DNA or protein.
• Perform PCR-based genotyping on zebrafish embryos and adults. 
• Perform whole mount in situ hybridization and immuonstaining on fixed zebrafish embryos.
• Construct plasmids using common molecular biology techniques (e.g. restriction digest, gel purification, ligation, sequencing, etc.).
• May train lower level technicians or students in the lab as necessary