Research Lab Specialist Inter/Assoc (Term-Limited)

Research Lab Specialist Intermediate The Misek laboratory at Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center in the Department of Pediatrics is looking for an exceptional candidate for a Research Lab Specialist Intermediate position. The role offers the opportunity to join a new and growing laboratory focused on understanding the genetic dependencies of pediatric brain tumors and translating these findings into new therapeutic strategies. The lab uses functional genomics approaches, including CRISPR-based genetic screens and next-generation sequencing (NGS), to define novel vulnerabilities in pediatric brain tumors and other cancers. The successful candidate will maintain a core role in leading scientific projects as well as helping to build and manage the day-to-day operations of a new laboratory. The position is approximately 75% hands-on experimental research and 25% laboratory management (which includes training new lab personnel). The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator to establish laboratory workflows, standard operating procedures, and experimental pipelines, and will be recognized for their scientific contributions through co-authorship on resulting publications. Responsibilities include independently performing experiments to support new and ongoing research efforts in the laboratory, including establishing NGS sample preparation workflows, conducting experiments using molecular biology and cell biology approaches, assisting in writing/preparing manuscripts and grants, maintaining and establishing new genetically engineered cancer models, designing, executing, and troubleshooting pooled CRISPR screens, performing molecular cloning, PCR/qPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and cell-based drug sensitivity assays. Lab management duties include ordering supplies, record keeping, managing bio/chemical safety protocols, scheduling undergraduate students, keeping shared instruments in working order, maintaining inventories of reagents, cell lines, plasmids, and biological samples, writing up and keeping current the lab’s written protocols and safety documentation, tracking EHS/IBC training and compliance requirements, and helping orient incoming lab members. Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences, 4-5 years’ experience in a related field, a minimum of three years of hands-on wet-lab research experience, experience with mammalian tissue culture and working in a BSL-2 environment, practical experience with core molecular techniques, experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation, demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and meticulous record keeping, ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable using standard office and data software for record keeping and data presentation, and self-motivated, dependable, and eager to acquire new technical skills. Desired qualifications include an advanced degree in a relevant biological discipline, previous responsibility for laboratory operations, experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, pooled genetic screens, and lentiviral production, experience with Illumina NGS library preparation and sequencing workflows, experience with cancer biology, functional genomics, or neuro-oncology research, experience with flow cytometry and cell-based compound screening assays, rodent handling experience, particularly with intracranial tumor xenograft models, and some exposure to scripting or sequencing data analysis.