Description of research focus

• Our lab researches chronic lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and how complement (a branch of the innate immune system) contributes to disease pathophysiology.


• We approach this subject through a combination of tissue cultures, cell cultures, and genetically modified mouse models of disease.

Research

• Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project (i.e., Western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence staining, microscopy).


• Read and review articles as directed. As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.


• Participate with manuscript preparation and presentation of data at conferences.

Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations

• Read and understand protocols.


• Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols. Set up and operate research materials or equipment.


• Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols. Perform varied tasks in the lab.


• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.


• Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.


• Track the progress of research activities.


• Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data.


• As individual skills develop: troubleshoot, analyze and propose modifications to protocols; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; may present results at team meetings.


• Majority of experiments will involve small animal disease models (i.e. mice), so willingness to work with these animals is required.


• Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications

Collect and track data, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used.

• Prepare materials for reports. As skills develop, analyze data.


• Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications.


• May present results/findings at team and departmental meetings.

Facilities and Equipment Management

• Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.


• Assist with procurement of supplies and materials. May initiate purchasing requests.


• As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees.

Candidate Experience

• Though some basic science lab research experience is preferred, it is not required and all techniques can be taught after starting. More important is a desire to learn and willingness to persevere when issues arise.

Overall goals of employment

• You will be exposed to and taught numerous basic science lab techniques, including immunoblotting, immunofluorescent staining, immunosorbent assays, confocal microscopy, cryosectioning, RNA sequencing, genotyping, etc.


• You will learn scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and how to thoroughly evaluate scientific literature.


• It is anticipated that you will be involved in at least 2 publications during your first 12 months of employment. Likewise, you will gain experience in writing scientific manuscripts and presenting your research at lab meetings and conferences.

Education Requirement

• A Bachelor's degree is required.

Required Qualifications

• Willingness to work with small animal disease models (i.e. mice is required).


• Excellent communication and organization skills and comfortable working within a group and independently is required.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with general lab work (standard biomedical bench procedures including buffer preparation and sample centrifugation) is desirable.


• Ability to organize and perform data collection, reporting and analysis is highly desirable.