Research Specialist II

ResponsibilitiesPosition descriptionProvides direct research and teaching support of moderate complexity and scope in a specialized field. Develops, designs, and conducts one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with plan, reviews progress and evaluates results, aimed at understanding B cell dysregulation in human disease with an emphasis on immune responses and autoimmunity in systemic lupus. The work involves isolation of immune cells from human blood, bone marrow and other tissues. With latitude for modifying methods and techniques, records, the specialist will compute and analyze test data; prepare reports and make recommendations. Specifically, the research specialist will perform experiments involving cell purification, storage, culture, flow cytometry, RNA or DNA extraction, histology, ELISA, ELISPOT, quantitative RT-PCR, spatial transcriptomics, bulk and single cell RNA-seq or ATAC-seq. Responsible for the orientation and training of new lab members in experimental technique methods and safety education, as well as participating in lab meetings and seminars.Duties

Develops, designs, and conducts complex laboratory experiments needed for biological research, including troubleshooting and modifying methods and techniques based on prior results or unanticipated complications. Utilize Biological Specimen Inventory System to enter, track and remove clinical samples from freezers. Isolate cells of interest from human blood, bone marrow or tissue samples using density centrifugation, magnetic bead sorting, and/or flow cytometry. Prepare sterile cell culture media, solutions and aliquots. Set up human cell culture experiments using sterile technique and biochemical safety hood. Purify RNA and/or DNA from cells or tissue for RT-PCR and bioinformatics experiments. Measure serum and cell culture proteins via ELISA or ELISPOT. Stain samples for flow cytometry. Utilize flow cytometry core facility for multi-parameter flow cytometric data collection and cell sorting. Stain sections for histology. Keep detailed laboratory records of experiments and clear labels on samples and reagents.

Collects, analyzes and evaluates flow cytometry data utilizing Flow Jo software. Interprets results within the scope of the study. Create PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets and graphs/figures of results with Graphpad Prism, R Studio or other similar software package with basic statistical analysis. Assist in preparation for materials for publication including creating figures and posters for conferences, grant preparation or publication, and editing the methods section for publications

Formulates research methods and suggests options for improving quality, identifies potential problems, recommends and implements solutions, and collaborates in the development of new techniques Participate in lab meetings and relevant seminars, including meetings with the PI and collaborating investigators. Attend seminars on techniques and new technologies which may be of interest to the lab.

Assist in the management of the laboratory supply inventory. Order supplies as needed and determine which account is most appropriate to use for billing. Send invoices to individuals in charge of accounting.

Coordinate human blood draw and other sample collection with team of research clinical coordinators under IRB-approved protocols. Interface with Biological Specimen Inventory System to improve inventory management system.

Ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety and Training for Research Laboratory Personnel. Oversee equipment maintenance (including centrifuges, incubators, tissue culture hoods, PCR machines, plate reader, and micropipettes) and train individuals in use of equipment.

Other duties as assignedQualifications:

Bachelor's Degree required.

Master’s Degree preferred.

2 years of related work experience involving direct assistance to researchers or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Experience with aseptic technique, immune cell isolation, cell culture, flow cytometry, RNA isolation, and/or other immunologic techniques preferred.

Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication required.

Knowledge of bioinformatics and/or immunology is preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.How To ApplyAll applicants must apply online.EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/DisabledPay RangePay Range: $55,955 - $78,336 AnnuallyThe 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.Apply for Job

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Location: School of Medicine & Dentistry

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