Opening

Full Time 40 hours Range URG 105 Medicine M&D-Infect Dis Unit

Schedule

8 AM-4:30 PM; WKNDS AS NEEDED

Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Exercising some independent judgment and following the guidance of laboratory management, this individual is responsible for providing molecular studies research support for studies utilizing the IDD Clinical Trials Processing Laboratory (IDD-URCTPL). Additionally, this individual will support therapeutic and vaccine clinical trials within IDD for participants enrolled in NIH/NAID/ DMID and DAIDS networks including the VTEU, ACTG, HVTN, and Pharmaceutical studies. Perform complex processing techniques, store, and ship blood and tissue specimens collected for clinical trials.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• PCR thermal cycler, gel electrophoresis units and associated power units, nanodrop spectrophotometer, UV light trans illuminator, digital image capture, centrifuges, biosafety cabinet, automated AcTDiff cell counter, automated Vicell cell viability analyzer, light microscope, Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS) software, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software, Globaltrace software, hemocytometer, ultralow freezers, liquid nitrogen tanks, Cryomed cryogenic preservation unit, serological and micro-pipettors.
• Lead Molecular Studies Technician: Lead a large (n = 3500) DNA GWAS study for the URCTPL including total genomic DNA extraction from whole blood and saliva. Characterize DNA by nanodrop spectrophotometry, optimize and establish experimental PCR profile, perform functional amplification of DNA, verify functionality by agarose gel electrophoresis and digital image capture. Organize and prepare specimens for GWAS analysis. Prepare tabulated data sets, gel imagery, charts, and graphs for reports and publication. Present monthly DNA project report to URCTPL PI and Project PI (Zareba, M.D.), Present project progress report at weekly lab meetings.
• Preparation of written laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) for DNA extraction and characterization including quantity, quality, and functionality parameters. Review current molecular literature. Review, quality control, and document control filing of molecular project source documents and database entries; investigate and resolve discrepancies. Inform the laboratory director of quality control issues; assist in resolving quality control issues. Train laboratory technicians on molecular project protocols; act as knowledge resource for technicians working in conjunction with the lead technician.
• Isolate and cryopreserve primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells using laboratory specific protocols for NIH/DMID/VTEU (influenza and CoVid-19) human clinical trials. Isolate and cryopreserve human serum and plasma from blood samples collected as part of human clinical trials. Process and store compartmental specimens according to protocol specifications. Ship VTEU specimens as directed according to the regulations of the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). Maintain IATA shipping certification.
• Isolate and cryopreserve primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells using laboratory specific protocols for NIH-ACTG human clinical trials. Isolate and cryopreserve human serum and plasma from blood samples collected as part of human clinical trials.
• Process and store compartmental specimens according to protocol specifications. ACTG specific reagent preparation. Maintain quarterly ACTG proficiency/certification.
• Process and ship pharmaceutical study specimens following study procedures provided by the study sponsor. Manage storage of pharmaceutical study specimens and documents kept on site, meet with and assist study monitors (approximately monthly) and ship pharmaceutical specimens as directed according to the regulations of the International Air Transport Authority (IATA).
• Isolate and cryopreserve primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells using network specific protocols for NIH-HVTN human clinical trials. Isolate and cryopreserve human serum and plasma from blood samples collected as part of human clinical trials.
• Process and store compartmental specimens according to protocol specifications. HVTN specific reagent preparation. Maintain monthly HVTN proficiency/certification.
• Maintain and troubleshoot automated cell counter equipment and run appropriate controls. Maintain hoods, centrifuges, and other laboratory equipment as needed. Maintain laboratory supplies used by all technicians. Place orders as needed, and/or inform the laboratory supervisor of supply shortages. Attend appropriate training sessions, meetings, seminars and lectures regarding clinical research topics. Other duties as determined and assigned by laboratory management.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High School diploma or GED
• Associate's degree in health Science, Biology, Chemistry or other science related field of study.
• 2years specialized experience performing basic sampling, monitoring or research activities, compiling and collecting data and preparing reports.
• OSHA safety requirements, scientific methods

Note: The above description represents the proposed responsibilities for this position and is not intended to limit assignment of other work or duties as required by the laboratory director.

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 Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Pay Range

Pay Range: $19.37 - $27.12 Hourly

The 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 byconsidering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.