JOB SUMMARY:

Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in an experimental lab, or wet lab, and handle a variety of chemicals and/or potential “wet” hazards. Intermediate Laboratory Science Professionals perform duties in laboratories where chemicals, drugs, or other materials or biological matters are tested and analyzed.
The ideal candidate(s) would also be proficient in cell culture techniques, including aseptic technique, culture of various primary and immortalized cells, and in vitro/ ex vivo experimentation. In addition to standard primary cell culture, the Crnic Institute is utilizing and expanding a large panel of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Previous experience and knowledge of iPSC cell maintenance and differentiation will be greatly valued.

WHY JOIN US:

The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome (www.crnicinstitute.org) is the largest academic home for Down syndrome research. The Crnic Institute collaborates with prominent scientists and leaders around the globe to enable precision medicine approaches to improve health outcomes in Down syndrome. The Crnic Institute is seeking at least one detail-oriented, highly motivated, and enthusiastic full-time Laboratory Science Professional (LSP) to work as a member of our Human Trisome Project team (www.trisome.org). The qualified candidate(s) will process biospecimens for storage and downstream analysis, maintain detailed records and sample tracking, and assist with various experiments according to project needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or a directly related field from an accredited institution
• 2 years of professional-level experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with iPSC maintenance, differentiation, and experimentation
• Experience independently researching, synthesizing and presenting novel and assigned topics.
• Experience in training all ability levels (e.g. interns, colleagues) in sample processing procedures.

COMPETENCIES: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Ability to process and work with primary tissues, including blood samples, using established protocols.
• Flexibility and adaptability to schedule changes arising from clinical operations including occasional night and weekend hours.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and standard cell culture practices
• Must be hard working, independent yet team-oriented, flexible, and able to communicate effectively.
• Self-motivated and highly organized, with demonstrated project planning and management skills in an academic research setting.
• Strong qualitative analysis skills
• Strong word processing skills, particularly with advanced Excel functions
• Ability to manage lab collaborations via cohort generation, sample management, and record keeping independently.
• Ability to analyze basic data for biobank sample numbers, cohorts, and experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, present and conduct independent experiments.
• Willingness and working knowledge to assist the clinical research team and animal research team as needed.
• Familiarity with genomic, gene expression, proteomic, and metabolomic platform.

Primary and secondary processing of biospecimens

• Process peripheral blood samples into various fractions including plasma, white blood cells and red blood cells
• Perform RNA, DNA, and protein extraction and quality control, as well as other various molecular biology-related assays (qPCR, western blot, library preparation, etc.)

Inventory, storage and management of biospecimens; associated record keeping

• Manage specimen inventory and auditing of biospecimens as part of the Human Trisome Project biobank, Crnic Institute clinical trials, and associated investigations
• Manage biobank use for internal studies and collaborations via cohort generation, sample management, and record keeping

Collaborate with researchers from other programs within the Crnic Institute (clinical, experimental models, data teams) to accomplish project goals and share research results

• Assist senior staff in the design, execution and evaluation of research investigations, including literature reviews, performing experiments and pilots, data integration, and analysis

Foundational lab maintenance responsibilities

• Assist with various laboratory and clinical support operations, such as autoclaving, inventories, ordering supplies, and hazardous materials management.
• Prepare lab for daily operations, including stocking materials, equipment, safety, cleanliness, and related areas