Tech Associate I, Ctr Vaccine Biology &Immunology
Rochester, NY
Responsibilities
General Purpose :
Provides direct research and offers opportunity for future experimental and scientific development, within the Sant Lab - an immunology laboratory aimed at understanding the immune response to influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. As part of this position, the technician will participate in planning, performing, and interpreting experiments aimed at understanding the CD4 T cell response to influenza virus and work with the Principal Investigator to develop novel influenza vaccination strategies. This work will involve the planning and execution of experiments involving the use of mouse models as well as direct studies utilizing human PBMCs and sera. The Technical Associate will use existing protocols and will collaborate with other laboratories. Techniques frequently utilized include Elispot assays, ELISAs, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, molecular cloning, cell purification, and multiparameter flow cytometry.
Specific Responsibilities:
Under general guidance and with latitude for exercising independent technical judgment, performs research related activities limited in scope and complexity in a specialized field. Responsibilities include most or all of the following, as well as other related duties:
Responsibilities
Works independently with occasional input on modifying, varying or adapting standard laboratory procedures to meet special needs of research projects. Designs and performs experiments to quantify the B and CD4 T cell responses to influenza. This will involve purification of CD4 T cells, followed by cytokine Elispot assays to quantify responses to individual peptide epitopes, peptide pools, or whole antigens. Additionally, the antibody secreting cell response will be quantified using B cell Elispots. These experiments will be done using cells obtained from mice as well as with human PBMCs.
Plans and performs assays utilizing multi-parameter analytical flow cytometry on both human and mouse tissues to explore functionality of vaccine or infection induced T cell immunity.
Sets up and conducts experiments investigating the immunology of influenza using mouse models. This will involve infection or vaccination of mice, followed by isolation of spleen, lymph nodes, lungs or lung cells, and other tissues for analysis.
Collects, processes, classifies, records, and analyzes results from research experiments; organizes and prepares results for presentation at laboratory meetings; maintains detailed experimental records and presents information to PI and others. Searches literature for reference to technical problems involved in research projects; writes procedures; prepares charts, graphs and tables; and assists in the preparation of manuscripts.
Performs specialized surgical operations on laboratory animals for collection of specimens. Works closely with animal care staff and technicians for scheduling surgical procedures and post-operative care of animals. Performs and conducts mouse colony maintenance including breeding, genotyping using PCR or flow cytometry, health monitoring and independent decision making regarding rodent euthanasia, and serves as interface between the lab and vivarium; troubleshoots and resolves issues with rodent colonies.
Keeps abreast of trends in field of interest by reading professional journals and attending meetings, institutes and seminars; Attends and presents at weekly lab meetings and relevant seminars, including regular meetings with the PI to review data, propose experiments and discuss analyses.
Manages the laboratory's reagent inventory, including reagents necessary for day-to-day laboratory operations; keeps research supplies stocked. Oversees maintenance, management, and/or repair of equipment; coordinates ordering of supplies and equipment and trains people in the appropriate use of equipment. Has the ability to make decisions on purchases of supplies and equipment. Performs in depth comparative research to obtain the best product at the best price and provides informed recommendations to the PI for decision making. Meets with vendors to review equipment/laboratory needs. Maintains organized ordering records and tracks missing deliveries; troubleshoots and resolves supply and/or equipment errors.
Counsels students and laboratory technical support staff on technical problems; Monitors and ensures training and compliance with Environmental Health and Safety – Occupational Safety Unit, Safety Training for Research Laboratory Personnel requirements specific to laboratory for all laboratory personnel. Ensures that health and safety practices are maintained in accordance with University.
Other duties and projects as assigned.
Requirements /Qualifications :
BS/BA degree in biochemistry, biology or chemistry 1 year of related work experience involving direct assistance to researchers; or any equivalent combination of experience, training and education.
Ability to work with rodents and human samples.
Ability to adjust research priorities as needed and be willing to present, discuss, and troubleshoot data with the PI and co-workers.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication.
Must be detail oriented, accurate and highly organized with the ability to work independently with minimal direction.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Pay Range
Pay Range: $ 37,000 - $ 64,100 Annually
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Location: School of Medicine & Dentistry
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 051
Schedule: 8:30 AM-5 PM