What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Research Technician (Trebak Lab) position at The University of Pittsburgh?
Senior Research Technician (Trebak Lab)
Job Summary
A Research Technician IV position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Mohamed Trebak at the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, to support research focused on calcium signaling, ion channel function, and immune cell biology. The technician will perform independent laboratory experiments, contribute to data analysis, and assist in maintaining animal models and core laboratory operations.
Key Responsibilities
Perform independent laboratory experiments investigating calcium signaling pathways and ion channel function. Maintain and manage mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and coordination of animal experiments relevant to the laboratory projects. Conduct molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, protein analysis, western blotting). Perform cell culture of primary cells and cell lines. Assist with imaging-based experiments, including fluorescence microscopy and data acquisition/analysis. Analyze experimental data, compile results, and prepare summaries and reports.
Maintain laboratory inventory, oversee ordering of supplies and reagents, and ensure proper documentation of specimens. Keep detailed, accurate, and up-to-date laboratory notebooks and electronic records. Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior laboratory members. Collaborate with lab members to troubleshoot experiments and improve protocols.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field (required).
Experience with mouse handling, colony management, and genotyping. Familiarity with molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell-based assays. Experience with calcium imaging or flow cytometry is preferred. Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
Location: This is a full-time, in-person position. The role requires regular attendance and participation in on-site meetings.
Disclaimer
The job duties outlined in this job description include common job responsibilities for this title and level of jobs and are not intended to cover every duty. The University reserves the right to assign other duties to employees that are not listed in this job description.
Performs a variety of independent and complex laboratory work and experiments. Analyzes and interprets data, compiles results, and prepares reports. Maintains inventory, ordering, and logs. Writes manuscripts and grant proposals and prepares data visualizations.
Computer work: walking from place to place; standing and sitting to perform essential tasks. Good manual dexterity.
Lifting and stacking of boxes of supplies, standing for extended periods required to fulfill workload. Light - Maximum lifting of up to 20 lbs. With frequent lifting/carrying of up to 10 lbs. or a negligible amount; significant walking or standing may be required or may involve sitting with a degree of pushing and pulling.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.