Research Lab Technician II, Comparative Medicine

JOB SUMMARY

Dr. Cecilia Schaaf’s Lab in the Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine is seeking a motivated research laboratory technician to join the laboratory. The Schaaf Lab is focused on harnessing intestinal regenerative potential both in health and disease, examining primarily immune/epithelial cell interactions in the context of cancer, aging, and cellular resilience. We utilize complimentary and translational in vivo (nonhuman primate) and in vitro (organoids derived from human and nonhuman primate biopsies) models to discover novel cellular interactions and target therapeutic pathways to improve health. Located at the Clarkson Campus, the Schaaf Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art cell culture, imaging, and molecular biology equipment and is adjacent to other core lab resources. 

Under direct supervision of the principal investigator, the applicant will perform a variety of moderately complex and generally standardized laboratory biomedical assays and tests. The successful applicant will have demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a group setting and should have skills in cell/organoid culture, histologic imaging and analysis, and standard molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction and QC, PCR, etc). The applicant will be expected to provide direction and guidance to shadowing undergraduate/medical students and graduate students enrolled in the School of Medicine. Applicants should also be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing and will be expected to conduct general laboratory maintenance (equipment maintenance and cleaning, supply ordering, inventory, EH&S disposal, etc). Computer literacy is a must and familiarity with database management, statistics, and artificial intelligence is a plus. The position also includes travel opportunities to scientific conferences to present research. 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related biomedical/physical sciences, related research experience or high school diploma with four years of related clinical/research experience.

SKILLS FOR CHARACTERISTIC WORK

• Process animal and human-derived biopsies 
• Perform cell culture and basic organoid work
• Perform basic molecular assays
• Perform immunofluorescent and live cell imaging
• Prepare samples and perform flow cytometry
• Confer with principal investigator and assist in the development of plans for research experiments and data collection procedures; modify existing laboratory procedures as needed
• Prepare detailed reports on the results of experiments
• Review scientific journals and related literature to apply information to research projects
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively
• Basic computer skills
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and universal precautions to establish a safe work environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Research laboratory environment
• Frequent exposure to diseases, medicinal preparations and other conditions common in a lab environment
• Must wear protective equipment (gloves, gowns/lab coats, eye protection, face protection)
• Exposure to glass and other breakable objects
• Exposure to animals

 

Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world-class health system, Atrium Health. WFUSM, the academic core of Atrium Health Enterprise, is a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research that includes Wake Forest Innovations, a commercialization enterprise focused on advancing health care through new medical technologies and biomedical discovery. WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise. 

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. AHWFB is an 885-bed tertiary-care hospital in Winston-Salem – that includes Brenner Children’s Hospital, five community hospitals, more than 300 primary and specialty care locations and more than 2,700 physicians. Our highly integrated academic and clinical environment is deeply committed to improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing – for all. 

It should be noted that while you are applying on the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Career Site, you will receive communications from the Atriu