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As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400626 Psychiatry M&D Research

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 105 H

Compensation Range:

$19.96 - $27.94

_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._

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE

Dr. Paulo Lizano operates a Translational Neuroscience laboratory at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the department of psychiatry. The lab focuses on clinical, translational, and basic neuroscience projects that related to how vision and barrier disruption contribute to the development and neuroprogression of psychosis. This specific role will support a project funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund CAMS award to study the barriers of the brain, which include the blood brain barrier and the blood-spinal fluid barrier. Individuals with psychosis have undergone clinical, cognitive, blood collection, and neuroimaging at baseline. Serum, plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and urine have also been collected from these subjects. Human induced pluripotent stem or multipotent stem cells will be generated from these materials to study the blood brain barrier and the blood-CSF barrier in vitro. This full-time position will be part of the Lizano Translational Neuroscience research lab and will include managing and overseeing the activities that establish, monitor and maintain human biological samples. Provides routine technical support for a research lab or facility. Collects, analyzes, and processes laboratory samples or research data. Performs a variety of tests, using routine techniques and methods. Assists in report writing. Collaborates on the design of new projects, techniques or methods.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Technical Procedures and Experiments:

+ Assist in the generation and maintenance of human stem-cell–derived models (endothelial cells, neurons, organoids) under established lab protocols.

+ Operate and maintain non-specialized equipment (e.g., biosafety cabinets, refrigerated storage, plate readers, microscopes) per lab’s equipment SOPs.

+ Manage cryostorage inventory and sample chain-of-custody records (no procedural details).

+ Coordinate steps from thaw/seed to organoid formation and maintenance according to approved lab protocols (PI/Senior scientist retains the operational protocol).

+ Monitor culture health via non-procedural observational metrics (morphology, documented scoring systems) and log findings into the electronic lab notebook.

+ Support co-culture and interaction experiments to study neurovascular and choroid plexus function in psychosis-related contexts.

+ Perform routine laboratory tasks, including sample preparation, labeling, imaging, and documentation.

+ Conduct quality control checks (e.g., sample integrity, contamination prevention, instrument performance) and report deviations to senior staff.

+ Prepare materials for downstream analyses at core facilities (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics).

Data Collection and Interpretation:

+ Provides simple to moderately complex data collection during research studies.

+ Records experimental data, collects/tabulates/calculates data. Interprets, synthesizes, and analyzes basic data elements.

+ Organizes data bundles for analysts (images with metadata, spreadsheets of sample annotations), weekly/lab meeting reports summarizing technical status, and accurate electronic notebook entries.

+ Maintain electronic lab notebooks, sample inventories, and instrument logs with accuracy and consistency.

Routine Lab Assistance:

+ Prepare and maintain laboratory spaces and instrumentation for stem-cell–derived model work under supervision of senior scientists.

+ Assists with purchasing routine lab supplies, collects receipts, and monitors expenditures.

+ May support the care and feeding of human stem cell lines.

+ May interact with, observe, test, and calculate research specimens/subjects.

+ Assist in general lab operations, including equipment maintenance scheduling, reagent inventory, and waste disposal per lab safety guidelines.

Study Protocol Adherence:

+ Ensures adherence to research protocols and requirements.

+ Ensure compliance with all institutional biosafety, human-subjects, and ethical requirements.

+ Cleans and performs routine maintenance on equipment.

+ Plans and modifies research techniques, procedures, tests, equipment or software.

Data Quality Control and Extraction:

+ May extract data for follow-up, perform inventory control, order supplies and record experiments.

+ Performs housekeeping tasks.

+ Works closely with staff to understand the principles of compliance, patient confidentiality, and other ethical obligations involved in conducting research.

Regulatory Management:

+ Works closely with staff to become familiar with industry standards, best practices, and trends in health sciences.

+ Attends/participates in weekly lab meetings, and, as appropriate, institutes, and seminars.

Other:

+ Other duties as assigned.

+ Contribute to lab meetings by providing updates on technical progress, troubleshooting, and data organization.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

+ High School diploma or GED Required

+ Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, Biology, Chemistry or other science related field of study preferred

+ 1 year experience performing basic sampling, monitoring or research activities, compiling and collecting data and preparing reports required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

+ Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and scientific methods required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture 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 characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.