Primary Purpose(S)      (Posted Feb 15, 2012)

Summarize the basic function(s), general purpose, and role of this job. 

Cell biology/cytometry/Protein Biochemistry technician (Research Associate)

The LSRA would work to support the projects of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the Nolan lab with emphasis on cell-based assays including small molecule inhibitor studies. A working knowledge of fluorescence–based flow cytometry is required. The LSRA will also aid in the conjugation of antibody reagents for a next-generation flow cytometry platform.   The position includes lab management tasks such as ordering supplies, maintaining lab records, and adhering to safety regulations.

 QUALIFICATIONS

A.KNOWLEDGE

Required: 

• Bachelor’s Degree and a strong understanding of biological sciences principles.
• Proficiency with the following techniques required:
• Hands-on experience in immunochemistry and bio-conjugation procedures, immunofluorescence staining procedures.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.  Experience with both MacOSX and PC Windows 7 platforms.
• Strong background in use of Excel, Powerpoint, and Microsoft Word.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to work independently under pressure of deadlines with only general guidance.
•  
• Desired:
• FlowJo experience (running a flow cytometer, analyzing flow cytometry data.
• Familiarity with principles and operation of mass spectrometry instrumentation - particularly time of flight (TOF)-based detection and/or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis of elemental compositions.  
• Experience with other forms of antibody-based immuno-assays (ELISA, IP, bead-based assays)
• Hands-on experience operating mass spectrometry instrumentation would also be an asset.
• Basic aseptic technique with experience performing mammalian cell culture in a BS2 class hood.
• Experience working with blood and/or bone marrow from mammalian sources.
• Ability to write scripts (visual basic, perl…ect.) to mine text data would also be an asset.
•  
•  B.  EDUCATION

Indicate the REQUIRED (R) and DESIRED (D) level of educational background to perform this job.

C.  Related experience

Indicate the REQUIRED (R) and DESIRED (D) job-related experience to perform this job.

 DUTIES and responsibilities

Indicate the approximate percentage of time spent on each responsibility (ensure that the total percentage of time is equivalent to 100% regardless of the position’s FTE).

If the job has supervisory responsibilities, include at least one statement that describes the nature and extent of supervision provided (for example, how many full-time regular employees report to this position and/or how many report to this position through others).

 CRITICAL FACTORs

1. Problem solving and analysis: Give examples of key problems (type and depth) and/or thinking challenges encountered in the position; illustrate application/use of policies and procedures and/or analysis and creativity required; describe the type of work environment in which work is performed (from stable to dynamic).  

The PI and senior scientists assign the incumbent a set of experiments. The incumbent is responsible for determining the best approach to the assigned work. The incumbent must recognize irregularities in experimental results and take steps to correct them with little or no supervision. 

An example of a problem the incumbent will face is optimizing an antibody staining protocol.

The incumbent will be expected to solve this problem by designing an experiment to test permutations of the protocol in order to identify the optimal parameters.

The post holder should be interested in learning new techniques and be able to coordinate and monitor his/her own work plan.

2. Independence: Give examples of typical activities that illustrate the degree of judgment and discretion used, mentioning supervision/guidance, standards, or established practice available. 

Work is performed under general supervision of the PI or supervisor. For example, the incumbent is responsible for interpretation of data and findings and maintains detailed records of experiments and outcomes. The incumbent may suggest modifications to existing procedures to PI/Supervisor.

3. Decision making: Give examples that illustrate the types of decisions that are made and the level of delegated authority. 

The incumbent will determine the approach to complete his/her portion of the research project.

Based on his or her reading of the literature and experimental results the incumbent will decide which reagents and techniques will be achieve the project goals.

4. Degree of impact: Give examples that illustrate the actual or potential impact of final decisions or recommendations and indicate who/what is affected – operations, programs, work group, department, school, etc. 

As part of a research team, students and scientists in the laboratory will depend on the work done by this LSRA.  He or she will be an integral part of the team, having opportunity to assist in the planning of the research and input into experimental details.  He or she may train graduate and undergraduate students new to the project on specific experimental protocols and may interact extensively with colleagues and collaborators from other departments and from other institutions.

5. Liaison: Describe the nature/purpose and frequency of major contacts and interactions.  

The major contacts will be with the staff and students in the Nolan laboratory and the Baxter laboratory, but there will be some interaction with colleagues and collaborators from other departments and other institutions.  The LSRA will support the research of senior scientists in the lab and assist students – sometimes as an expert or trainer in specific experimental techniques.

6. Other Relevant Information:  Include other areas of the job that have not been covered in the sections above.  Describe the scope of these areas such as size of budget responsibility, number of employees supervised, the number of departments and staff size, etc.

POSTING TEXT:  

Protein Biochemistry/ Immunochemistry Technician/Life Science Research Associate (LSRA) I

Location: Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology

Job description: We are seeking a Life Science Research Assistant (LRSA) to join the group of Dr. Garry Nolan in the Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology. This LRSA will aid in the development of reagents and methods for a next-generation flow cytometry platform (Mass Cytometer – CyToF) housed in the Nolan lab.  The LSRA will play a key role in the operation and maintenance of the mass cytometer. Additionally the LRSA will have skills in fluorescence based flow cytometry as well in basic cell biology and molecular biology methodologies such a PCR and westerns. The LSRA must have basic computer skills and be a good team player. The LRSA will be involved with general lab organization as well as working to support the projects of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the lab.

Qualifications and experience: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences or related field.  A minimum of one year of laboratory research experience desired (can be academic lab experience while in college). Hands-on experience, as well as practical knowledge for planning and performing immunochemistry and bioconjugation procedures. In particular, experience with amine and sulfhydryl specific chemistry for covalently linking ligands to proteins (specifically immunoglobulins).  Furthermore, experience/knowledge of the subsequent procedure for purification of the resulting conjugates (size exclusion/ gel filtration/ affinity purification/ other chromatographic approaches).  Hands-on experience as well as practical knowledge for planning and performing immunofluorescence staining procedures is required.  Experience running a flow cytometer and analyzing flow cytometry data (FlowJo) would also be an asset as well as experience with other forms of (antibody-based) immuno-assays (ELISA, IP, bead-based assays).  Familiarity with the principles and operation of mass spectrometry instrumentation – particularly time of flight (TOF)-based detection and/or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis of elemental compositions is required.  Hand-on experience operating such equipment would also be an asset. The candidate should be able to work independently, be highly motivated, well organized, adaptable and work well within a highly interdisciplinary and international team.  Good communication and interpersonal skills as well as fluent English are essential, as well as proficient computer skills (Mac and PC).  Additional desired, but not required, skills: Basic aseptic technique with experience performing mammalian cell culture in a BS2 class hood; Experience working with blood and/or bone marrow from mammalian sources; Ability to write scripts (visual basic, Perl, etc.) to mine text data would also be an asset.