Research Biologics Technologist 2 - Dr. Colin Franz

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Research Biologics Technologist 2 will work under the supervision of a physician-scientist, Dr. Colin Franz, as part of a collaborative team to support the development and execution of discovery science research programs focused on peripheral nerve injury, neurotrauma, and neural regeneration. This role will involve hands-on work across preclinical models, including surgical procedures, histology, microscopy, and quantitative analysis.

The Research Biologics Technologist 2 will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Research Biologics Technologist 2 will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

Principal Responsibilities

Technical:

• Following protocols, designs, sets-up & conducts basic experiments. 

• Analyzes & troubleshoots protocols & data obtained from individual experiments & recommends alternatives & suggestions to improve processes, validity &/or accuracy.

Administrative:

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.

• Manipulates, interprets &/or presents results.

• Prepares charts & graphs for presentations & publications. 

• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.

• Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts & publications.

Finances:

• Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.

• Verifies accuracy of invoices. 

• Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.

Training:

May train students.

Skills:

Using a fully tested level of skill, may be asked to complete the following activities  

• Molecular Biology and Biochemistry:

  • DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification & expression 

  • Southern, Northern, Western blotting

  • PCR, RT-PCR,

  • Plasmid preparation

  • Cloning, mapping & sequencing of DNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms detection

  • Recombinant virus production & purification

  • ELISA assays

  • HPLC

  • Mitochondria functional analysis (Oroboros)

• Cellular Biology:

  • Cell isolation, cell culture and co-culture

  • Organoids culture

  • Functional studies

  • Transfection and transduction

  • Flow cytometry

• Histology and Immunohistochemistry:

  • Tissue fixation/processing: embedding, preparation of blocks & sectioning, staining.

  • Immunohistochemistry

  • Microscopy

  • Tissue quantification

• Animal:

  • Husbandry

  • Breeding & screening transgenic mice

  • Dissections

  • Blood collection

  • Surgical procedures

  • Database management of colony

  • Physical and cognitive functional assays

• Organ and Tissue Physiology:

  • Making physiological solutions

  • Tissue Dissection

  • In vitro physiological assays

  • Electronic Equipment Calibration and Use

Completes other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the assigned Principal Investigator

Qualifications & Abilities Required

• Successful completion of