Title: Laboratory Technician
Job Class: Hourly/Non-Exempt; $24 - $28.85/hour DOE
Reports to/PI: Dr. Nicole Liachko

At the Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research (SIBCR), scientists seek new ways to improve the health and well-being of Veterans through research and education conducted at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center.

As an SIBCR employee, you have a unique opportunity to help improve the lives of Veterans through supporting our scientists whose research spans a broad range of areas such as mental health; neuroscience; diabetes, endocrinology and nutrition; prosthetics; oncology; and pulmonary diseases. You will also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to be a part of an important mission.

Summary:

A research technician position is available in the Liachko lab located at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Seattle, and affiliated with the University of Washington (https://sites.google.com/prod/uw.edu/liachkolab). We use model systems including transgenic mice, mouse primary neurons, cultured cells and C. elegans, to study the neurodegeneration seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other aging related disorders. We are seeking a motivated research associate who works well with others to join our research team. The researcher will pursue the underlying causes of aging associated protein dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease using transgenic C. elegans and/or mouse models.

Responsibilities:

• Maintenance and construction of C. elegans strains
• C. elegans behavioral analyses, RNAi experiments, and small molecule screening
• Light and fluorescent microscopy
• Biochemical assays such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and qRT-PCR
• RNAseq library construction
• Phenotype analysis/genetic screening
• PCR genotyping, including gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing reactions
• Recombinant DNA plasmid construction
• DNA and RNA purification
• Routine laboratory tasks such as solution and media preparation
• Data analysis using scientific software
• Science writing of protocols and manuscripts
• Laboratory management including ordering, organizing and maintaining lab supplies and equipment

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 2 years of lab experience
• Strong problem solving skills
• Knowledge of genetics and/or neurobiology
• Ability to design and execute controlled experiments
• Effective communication with internal and external researchers

Desirable Experience/Skills:

• Familiarity with transgenic mice and/or elegans
• Experience with cell culture, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting.
• Bioinformatics including transcriptomic analyses
• Competence in microbiology and molecular cloning