Lab Technician

Lab Technician

Job Summary

The Reeves Lab studies tumor heterogeneity and how it impacts the immune response to cancer. The Reeves Lab has established a novel system to model tumor heterogeneity in vivo, in which we can create heterogeneous tumors made up of multiple, fluorescently-labeled tumor populations. The fluorescent labels allow us to track each population within the tumor and analyze both the local and global immune response. The Reeves Lab is hiring a lab technician, who will be directly involved in running in vitro and in vivo experiments making use of this system to study how tumor heterogeneity shapes the spatial organization of immune cells and immune activity within a tumor.

The technician will assist will cell culture, mouse experiments, immunotherapy studies, flow cytometry, and imaging analysis. Additionally, the technician will assist with ordering lab supplies, lab organization, and other administrative tasks. Candidates should have strong organizational and communication skills, be highly motivated, and be capable of working independently. A 2-year commitment will be preferred.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve - which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming - with impact worldwide. Partnerships with individuals, communities, and many other entities are crucial to our work. Huntsman Cancer Institute values cancer-related health equity, and inclusion as integral to our guiding principle to serve our patients and their communities, and our commitment to foster a culture of belonging for all within our organization.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your personal and professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.

Learn more here

Responsibilities
Essential Functions
As the Reeves Lab is a relatively small lab, having moved to the University of Utah in 2022, the technician can expect both a significant amount of personalized attention and mentorship from Dr. Reeves, as well as an expectation to be willing to assist with a wide range of projects in the lab. Training on techniques and equipment that are new to the technician will be provided. Specific tasks include:
1. Conducting cell culture and in vitro immunology assays (e.g., ELISPOT, immune cell co-cultures)
2. Injecting mice with tumor cell lines and conducting subsequent follow up, including measurement of tumor growth and treatment with immunotherapy
3. Processing and analysis of tumors after harvest, including analysis of immune response by flow cytometry and multi-color fluorescent imaging
4. Performing basic mouse husbandry and assisting with mouse colony maintenance (e.g., genotyping by PCR)
5. Performing cloning and other basic microbiology techniques
6. Maintaining detailed lab notebook with all experimental protocols, data and results
7. Meeting regularly with Dr. Reeves and/or other senior lab members to discuss experiments, experiment planning, data analysis, and results
8. Assisting with ordering lab supplies, lab organization, and other administrative tasks as needed

Problem-Solving
This position assists senior laboratory personnel in planning methods and techniques. Work requires exercising independent judgment and basic theoretical knowledge of the applicable science. This position may include limited supervision of entry-level laboratory personnel, who may refer sensitive or unusual situations to the incumbent. If incumbent cannot find a resolution, the situation is referred to the supervisor.

Work is performed in accordance with the supervision of senior laboratory personnel and through periodic conferences with superior.

Disclaimer
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Comments
Recent graduates and seniors graduating from college in spring 2024 are encouraged to apply. The start date can be adjusted as needed accommodate a graduating senior. A sooner start in April/May is also possible for candidates who are available to start sooner.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals), exposure to animals (mice).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances. Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment, ability to create and analyze statistical calculations and prepare reports required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the certification may be required by some departments.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences


Special Instructions


Requisition Number: PRN38168B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 02234 - HCI Melissa Reeves Lab
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 12.02 to 21.63
Close Date:
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/162863


jeid-5641348ce27e2448ab5aa80b0e23bfdd