The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Division and i4Kids Institute of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity in Children, is seeking a full-time technician to support newly funded research programs. The hiring lab investigates the mechanisms underlying bacterial detection by cells of the innate immune system, primarily phagocytes (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, etc.).

The applicant will support the function of the laboratory, which will include basic laboratory maintenance as well as conducting experiments. For experiments, the applicant will assist scientists in performing cellular- and molecular-based experimentations, with direct supervision. The applicant should have some knowledge of tissue culture techniques, as well as other basic cellular, molecular, and microbiological techniques (e.g., PCR, CRISPR, bacterial growth, etc.). A significant task will include maintenance of cells in culture (i.e., tissue culture), their genetic manipulation, their stimulation with bacteria and innate agonists, and the downstream analysis of cellular responses. All experimentations require excellent record keeping and protocol upkeep. The applicant should be very eager to learn new techniques and improve existing techniques.

Required skills: The applicant must have excellent organizational, planning, and note-taking skills. Attention to detail is an essential quality of the applicant. The applicant is expected to have a strong grasp of biological sciences-related mathematical skills, including dilutions, ratios, concentrations, etc. without the help of artificial intelligence. The applicant must keep detailed and accurate records and have excellent communication skills. The applicant should also have a proven ability to work in a collaborative team and take guidance from their supervisor, showing the ability to learn new things and to improve on prior skills.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field is required. Knowledge of mathematical and chemical principles is required. To reiterate, the applicant must be highly organized, efficient with their time, and able to plan and prioritize daily duties. The applicant must maintain professional demeanor and work well with others.

Equivalent relevant work experience may be substituted for degree requirement. This position is located at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check will be required prior to the start of employment. Also, a current TB test will be required as a condition of employment.

Performs laboratory testing and some analysis on multiple types of specimen samples. Operates and properly sterilizes equipment and maintains inventory and assists with ordering.

Responsibilities for this position include:

1. Perform supervised laboratory work and experiments, including guided analysis of phagocytes stimulated with bacteria or bacterial molecules. On-going, everyday laboratory work includes tissue culture maintenance and other related everyday techniques, including cloning. Experimental work includes bacterial preparation, host cell preparation, infection of host cells with bacteria, collection of infected samples, and processing of samples to determine the cellular responses (e.g., Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, etc.). Data produced from such a workflow will require basic computational analyses and reporting of findings with guidance from supervisor.

2. Oversee laboratory inventories (e.g., chemical, cell, bacteria, etc.) with guidance from supervisor.

3. Assist with ordering as needed and maintaining lab work areas.

4. Work with supervisor to prepare data for presentation to the group and for publication.

5. Assist lab members in basic laboratory work and experimental procedures.

Medium physicality that is a part of normal lab work. The applicant will be walking around the lab a lot, standing a lot, using their arms and hands a lot to pipet (in tissue culture, they will hold their hands up a lot), and occasionally physically lifting somewhat heavy or cumbersome boxes/objects.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.