Staff Scientist, SMD

Opening

Full Time 40 hours Range URG 110 Pharmacology & Physiology

Schedule

8:30 AM-5 PM

Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Responsible for the maintenance, breeding, genotyping and organization of transgenic mouse colony. Additional responsibilities include completing established laboratory functions including cell culture and molecular and cell biological experiments.

Will assist with overall operation of the laboratory including ordering supplies, equipment maintenance, and training of lab personnel. Experience in cell culture, transfections, harvesting animal tissues, and willingness to work with mice is required. Ability to work in a lab team environment with a diverse group of personnel is essential.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under general direction and with latitude for independent judgment:

• Designs and directs small, complex research projects or major aspects of larger research projects; or works independently in a phase of research of a complex project.

• Designs research projects or sub-projects, contributes to writing of research proposals, prepares regulatory documentation required for performance of research. Writes protocols for the conduct of research, which include: purposes of study, design of experiments, lists of materials and methods to be used and the schedule of activities.

• Analyzes and evaluates experimental data and interprets results within the scope of the study; assesses the importance of findings in relation to the general research program. Prepares written reports on all phases of laboratory work involved in research projects. Contributes to the design, interpretation and final writing of research publications - thereby meeting expectations for co-authorship of scientific publications.

• Keeps abreast of trends in field of interest by reading current research literature, abstracting scientific articles of value in the prosecution of research problems, and attending and presenting at scientific meetings, seminars and research conferences.

• Develops and installs operating procedures for the laboratory, and independently operates complex equipment. Develops and modifies test methods; selects procedures for data collection and handling; develops or utilizes computer programs for conversions and statistical treatment of data.

• Directs the gathering of research materials, supplies, equipment and apparatus and experimental. Coordinates service support: repair of equipment, requisitioning of supplies and research materials and minor construction.

• Interviews, trains, supervises and evaluates staff. Directs initial training as well as continuous skill development of staff/trainees in laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures. Counsels staff/trainees on technical problems; advises and assists staff/trainees with special research projects.

• Develops and controls research project budgets in consultation with supervising faculty. Is responsible for research project budget reports and records.
  
  Recommends expenditures for major laboratory equipment and construction. Authorizes expenditure for expendable supplies and maintenance.

• Evaluate the performance of research equipment, making design changes or developing new approaches for its use.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mouse colony management. Maintenance and breeding of transgenic mice, one or two lines.

Tail clips of P7 or younger mouse pups (& ear punches). Responsibilities include maintaining breeding records, setting up weekly breeding schedules, as well as detailed record-keeping of mouse genotypes in laboratory database. Perform genotyping using PCR.

Electrophysiology I. Work in an independent manner with minimal supervision, prepare cells from rat or mouse for patch clamp recordings.

Be willing to optimize protocols for differentiation of cells into neuronal phenotypes. Must be adaptable to different electropysiological needs

Plate reader assays. Work in an independent manner with minimal supervision, prepare transfected heterologous cells and run BRET assays. Use pharmacological reagents or molecular interventions to determine the molecular mechanism of intrinsic membrane excitability.

Cell biological experiments.

Work in an independent manner with minimal supervision, perform tissue (including brain) sectioning, immunofluorescence (of tissue (IHC) or culture cells (ICC)) and other cell biological and biochemical experiments including but not limited to preparing tissue or cultured cells for immunoprecipitation and/or western blotting experiments.

Perfuse neonatal mouse pups, dissect different brain regions including hippocampus and cortex for western blotting. Use confocal/two photon imaging system to acquire IHC/ICC images. Optimize assays and modify experiments as needed.

Molecular biology techniques. Perform routine plasmid maintence (mini, midi, maxipreps), mutagenesis, as needed for various projects.

Research Analysis, Presentation, Searches. Prepare literature searches as needed. Analyze and present findings to PI and/or in laboratory meetings.

Training responsibility. Interviews and trains laboratory personnel and rotating graduate students on laboratory and departmental-shared equipment and laboratory procedures.

May supervise and evaluate the work of other laboratory personnel. Counsels laboratory personnel on technical issues, problem solving, or as issues arise. Develop and install operating procedures for the laboratory, operate complex equipment. Perform routine laboratory maintenance and preventive care for all laboratory equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD or PhD with major course work in the field of assignment required.

• 2-5 years postdoctoral or faculty level experience in appropriate discipline.

• Or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• Able to work with minimal supervision. This position requires the use of eyes, hands, and fingers with skill and the ability to perform mathematical calculations using algebra and practically apply percentages, fractions, and ratios.
  
  The ability to communicate effectively, follow instructions, and record information accurately is required. Must have excellent interpersonal skills. This position may entail prolonged periods of standing and walking and requires the safe use of toxic chemicals. CONTACTS: Daily interactions with Principal Investigator as well as other administrative and laboratory staff.

• License/Certification not required

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How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Pay Range

Pay Range: $59,197 - $82,888 Annually

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.