This position is for the Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine within the Department of Pediatrics. 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. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.
- Brief Job Duties: The Research Technician IV will support preclinical therapeutic development for PDHA1-related pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD), a mitochondrial disorder of carbohydrate oxidation associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Responsibilities include culturing and maintaining genotype-defined cellular models (including patient fibroblasts, pseudodiploid neuronal cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells [iPSCs], and differentiated neuronal and glial systems); conducting biochemical, molecular biology, and pharmacology experiments; performing enzyme activity, metabolic flux, and mitochondrial function assays (e.g., Seahorse analyses); assisting with compound screening and characterization; supporting mouse colony management and phenotyping studies; maintaining detailed research records; analyzing data; and contributing to manuscript and grant preparation. The position requires independent experimental execution, troubleshooting of complex protocols, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry, mitochondrial biology, and translational neuroscience.
- Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related field with at least three years of relevant research experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). A Master's degree in a related discipline is desirable. Prior experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, metabolic assays, and/or mouse models is preferred. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, detail-oriented, and highly motivated individual who is eager to learn, capable of working independently, and enthusiastic about contributing to a multidisciplinary research program spanning drug discovery, cellular neuroscience, mitochondrial biology, and translational animal studies.
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.
• Performs a variety of independent and complex laboratory work and experiments, including determining experimental protocols and preparing laboratory specimens and cultures. Provides research experiment design expertise.
• Analyzes experimental data and interprets results; compiles results; writes reports and summaries of findings.
• Maintains and oversees specimen inventory and ordering. Maintains lab and chemical inventory.
• Keeps detailed, accurate, and timely data and log books.
• Prepares data, graphs, tables, and charts to document experimental results for publication.
• Writes manuscripts and grant proposals; performs literature searches; summarizes findings for reports and written documentations.
• Develops expert recommendations and problem resolutions to improve research efforts.
• Serves as Safety Officer as directed and/or needed.
Light to medium; no heavy lifting.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Job Details
- Assignment Category: Full-time regular
- Job Classification: Staff.Laboratory Research Technician IV
- Job Family: Research
- Job Sub-Family: Laboratory
- Campus: Pittsburgh
- Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum Years of Experience Required: 3
- Substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
- Work Schedule: Position will require flexibility with shift/hours; evenings and weekends possible, depending on experimental needs such as cell culture work, mouse handling, or some time-dependent assays.
- Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
- Hiring Range: To be determined based on qualifications.
- Relocation Offered: No
- Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
- Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
- Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.
- Required Documents: Resume
- Optional Documents: Cover Letter