Research Tech II - Cancer Neuroscience; Neurology

rateThe Venkatesh Lab (www.venkateshlab.org) is seeking a highly motivated lab technician to join our pioneering research efforts in the emerging field of cancer neuroscience. Our lab’s exciting new area of research lies at the intersection of cancer biology and neuroscience – we focus on characterizing and therapeutically targeting electrical components of disease pathophysiologies. By improving our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neuron-cancer communication and circuit formation in and outside of the brain, the Venkatesh Lab aims to harness the systems level microenvironmental dependencies of tumor growth to develop innovative therapeutic treatments.
We are looking for a lab technician II to provide a technical support role for various projects ongoing in the lab. The candidate would be responsible for husbandry and handling of mice, maintaining stocks and supplies for the lab, and learning various techniques to help support multiple projects in the lab. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Support – 35%
1.    Work collaboratively with others in the lab to generate data for publications.
2.    Perform techniques such as Western blotting, viral transduction, next-generation sequencing (NGS)
3.    Perform immunohistological assays such as IF/IHC slide prep, confocal imaging, and cell counting
4.    Provide training to new lab members on mouse handling, cell culture techniques, and experimental procedures.

Mouse Husbandry - 25% 
5.    Responsible for the maintenance and care of laboratory mice including breeding, weaning, ear tagging, and allocation to lab members. 
6.    Maintain up to date mouse records in Transnetyx and reports on mouse census to supervisors.
7.    Assist with perfusion, collection harvesting of tissues, necropsy

Cell Culture - 25%
8.    Perform routine cell culture techniques including cell passaging, freezing, and thawing
9.    Maintain lab stocks of cell lines with documentation of passage and genetic testing
10.    Work with various cancer cell lines as well as iPSC lines

Lab Upkeep - 15% 
11.    Responsible for laboratory upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment. 
12.    Maintain and restock supplies and equipment including chemicals, liquid nitrogen, consumables, etc.
13.    Receive, store, and document reagents/packages 

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in biology or related major + 1-2 years of non-coursework experience required. 
1.    Demonstrated experience with tissue culture and aseptic technique. 
2.   Experience with rodent handling, husbandry, and animal experiments. 
3.  Must have demonstrated experience with molecular techniques such as cloning and transfection, and viral culture.
4.    Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot protocols and experiments for various projects in the lab.
5.    Must be able to maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks documenting experimental procedures, results, and observations.
6.    Compile, analyze, and present data in a timely fashion.