Lab Technician IV

The Kamil Lab in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is recruiting an experienced Laboratory Technician. The Kamil laboratory studies diverse aspects of the molecular interplay between viruses and their hosts, focusing primarily on human cytomegalovirus (aka HCMV or CMV). The laboratory is investigating how CMV exploits glycobiology to hide within the host and are also studying a new virion surface glycoprotein complex that plays roles in entry, which we recently discovered together with our collaborators. The lab is also interested in the fundamental cell biology underlying how CMV overtakes the host cell and manipulates the secretory pathway. The individual in this role will also cooperate with the laboratory manager to keep an inventory of laboratory reagents and supplies and will assist with training and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the lab. The successful candidate will have excellent record keeping and communication skills, as well as a bachelor's degree and 3 years of lab experience. Applicants who have experience with University of Pittsburgh systems and processes for purchasing and ordering are preferred.

Performs a variety of independent and complex laboratory work and experiments. Analyzes and interprets data, compiles results, and prepares reports. Maintains inventory, ordering, and logs. Writes manuscripts and grant proposals and prepares data visualizations.

The individual for this role will work closely with the laboratory head / faculty investigator to align laboratory priorities and day-to-day operations with long term research goals while ensuring progress on near-term objectives. The individual will have at least 3-years of experience with many if not most of the following\: 1. Cultivation and titration of viruses, 2. viral neutralization assays, 3. cell-based screening using high content imaging platforms such as the IncuCyte (Sartorious), 4. Western blotting, 5. immunoprecipitation, 6. affinity chromatography and/or protein purification from bacterial and eukaryotic expression systems, including of recombinant proteins with affinity tags, 7. mammalian cell culture and sterile technique, 8. genetic techniques in bacteria, 9. PCR and qPCR, 10. recombinant DNA and sub-cloning, 11. isolation of DNA and RNA, 12. gel electrophoresis, 13. RNA seq and or whole genome sequencing, 14. Mouse models for viral infection, immunization and/or investigation of immune responses. The person in this role is able to independently design experiments and interpret data, and to develop and troubleshoot methods and procedures on their own or with minimal oversight.

The incumbent will spend most of the day moving about the lab. No heavy lifting is required.

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The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.