Research Assistant Professor

Description

Overview

The experienced faculty will provide technical support as well as laboratory oversight and management for the execution and interpretation of experiments performed in the Division of Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics. Projects in the lab focus on understanding the mechanisms of airway injury and abnormal repair after inhalation exposures, and how these injuries contribute to lung function decline. The mode of research in the laboratory includes cell culture, flow cytometry, western blot analysis, RNA isolation and real-time PCR as well as serologic methodology.  Research in the laboratory is conducted using both in vivo (rodent) models and in vitro cell culture models with transformed and primary cell lines.  Inhalation exposures are hazardous chemicals. The associate will be expected to conduct experiments independently; present and interpret experimental results; organize laboratory equipment/supplies. 

The faculty must be comfortable working with, and have the ability to handle and euthanize small animals, specifically rats and/or mice.  Additional experience in inhalation toxicology and exposure systems is also preferred but not required.

 

Typical working hours would be 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Demonstrates ICARE* values in each of the major responsibilities.

NOTE:  This document describes typical duties and responsibilities and is not intended to limit management from assigning other work as required.

Major Responsibilities

1.      Perform complex studies in rodents and primary cells using technical independence and regular communication with the PI (50%)

a.      Routine maintenance, treatment, euthanasia, dissection, and tissue preparation of rats and/or mice.

b.      Perform and modify experiments and protocols independently.  These include but are not limited to flow cytometry, tissue culture based assays, tissue staining (hematoxylin & eosin, trichrome), western blot analyses, polymerase chain reaction protocols, blood separation and ELISA protocols.

c.       Collaborate with the PI on the design, implementation, and modification of inhalation exposure systems for small animals (rats and/or mice) and in vitro co-culture systems.

d.      Maintain equipment and laboratory momentum when PI is away from the lab performing clinical duties.

 

2.      Perform complex analyses on cultured primary cells (25%)

1. Culture and maintain primary rodent and human airway cells.
2. Use flow cytometry and cell sorting to acquire specific populations of airway progenitor cells before and after in vitro inhalation exposures.
3. Prepare protein/DNA/RNA for downstream analyses.
4. Analyze and interpret data acquired during experiments and literature reviews
5. Disseminate results to PI and/or weekly laboratory meetings internal and external to Department.

 

3.      Organizes laboratory equipment, supplies and prepares necessary laboratory management (25%)

 

1. Develop, write and modify standardized operating procedures based on results of complex experiments.
2. Establish and troubleshoot new laboratory protocols evaluating effectiveness and modifying based on analyses.
3. Organize all standard operating procedures as well as laboratory manuals.
4. Troubleshoot any broken or malfunctioning equipment
5. Help rotating students with performing and organizing experiments

Qualifications

Graduate level degree (PhD, MD, DO) in appropriate discipline plus >5 years specialized experience in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prefer experience in discipline with 2 to 4 years specialized experience in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of basic pulmonary physiology, molecular biology, and tissue culture method is also preferred. Animal handling skills (specifically with rats and mice) is required.  Specific skills necessary for this position include knowledge of general laboratory safety process