What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Lab Technician II, Comparative Medicine position at Wake Forest Baptist Health?
JOB SUMMARY
Dr. Cecilia Schaaf’s Lab in the Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine is seeking a motivated research laboratory technician to join the laboratory. The Schaaf Lab is focused on harnessing intestinal regenerative potential both in health and disease, examining primarily immune/epithelial cell interactions in the context of cancer, aging, and cellular resilience. We utilize complimentary and translational in vivo (nonhuman primate) and in vitro (organoids derived from human and nonhuman primate biopsies) models to discover novel cellular interactions and target therapeutic pathways to improve health. Located at the Clarkson Campus, the Schaaf Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art cell culture, imaging, and molecular biology equipment and is adjacent to other core lab resources.
Under direct supervision of the principal investigator, the applicant will perform a variety of moderately complex and generally standardized laboratory biomedical assays and tests. The successful applicant will have demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a group setting and should have skills in cell/organoid culture, histologic imaging and analysis, and standard molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction and QC, PCR, etc). The applicant will be expected to provide direction and guidance to shadowing undergraduate/medical students and graduate students enrolled in the School of Medicine. Applicants should also be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing and will be expected to conduct general laboratory maintenance (equipment maintenance and cleaning, supply ordering, inventory, EH&S disposal, etc). Computer literacy is a must and familiarity with database management, statistics, and artificial intelligence is a plus. The position also includes travel opportunities to scientific conferences to present research.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related biomedical/physical sciences, related research experience or high school diploma with four years of related clinical/research experience.
SKILLS FOR CHARACTERISTIC WORK
- Process animal and human-derived biopsies
- Perform cell culture and basic organoid work
- Perform basic molecular assays
- Perform immunofluorescent and live cell imaging
- Prepare samples and perform flow cytometry
- Confer with principal investigator and assist in the development of plans for research experiments and data collection procedures; modify existing laboratory procedures as needed
- Prepare detailed reports on the results of experiments
- Review scientific journals and related literature to apply information to research projects
- Ability to listen and communicate effectively
- Basic computer skills
- Knowledge of common safety hazards and universal precautions to establish a safe work environment
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Research laboratory environment
- Frequent exposure to diseases, medicinal preparations and other conditions common in a lab environment
- Must wear protective equipment (gloves, gowns/lab coats, eye protection, face protection)
- Exposure to glass and other breakable objects
- Exposure to animals
