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University of Rochester: Office of the Provost: University of Rochester Medical Center: School of Medicine and Dentistry: Pediatrics: Pediatrics: Pulmonology

Salary Range or Pay Grade

$70,000 - 80,000

Description

Overview

The experienced faculty will provide technical support as well as laboratory oversight and management for the execution and interpretation of experiments performed in the Division of Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics. **Projects in the lab focus on understanding the mechanisms of airway injury and abnormal repair after inhalation exposures, and how these injuries contribute to lung function decline.** The mode of research in the laboratory includes cell culture, flow cytometry, western blot analysis, RNA isolation and real-time PCR as well as serologic methodology. Research in the laboratory is conducted using both _in vivo_ (rodent) models and _in vitro_ cell culture models with transformed and primary cell lines. Inhalation exposures are hazardous chemicals. The associate will be expected to conduct experiments independently; present and interpret experimental results; organize laboratory equipment/supplies.

The faculty must be comfortable working with, and have the ability to handle and euthanize small animals, specifically rats and/or mice. Additional experience in inhalation toxicology and exposure systems is also preferred but not required.

Typical working hours would be 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Demonstrates ICARE* values in each of the major responsibilities.

NOTE: This document describes typical duties and responsibilities and is not intended to limit management from assigning other work as required.

Major Responsibilities

1. Perform complex studies in rodents and primary cells using technical independence and regular communication with the PI **(50%)**

a. Routine maintenance, treatment, euthanasia, dissection, and tissue preparation of rats and/or mice.

b. Perform and modify experiments and protocols independently. These include but are not limited to flow cytometry, tissue culture based assays, tissue staining (hematoxylin & eosin, trichrome), western blot analyses, polymerase chain reaction protocols, blood separation and ELISA protocols.

c. Collaborate with the PI on the design, implementation, and modification of inhalation exposure systems for small animals (rats and/or mice) and in vitro co-culture systems.

d. Maintain equipment and laboratory momentum when PI is away from the lab performing clinical duties.

2. Perform complex analyses on cultured primary cells **(25%)**

1. Culture and maintain primary rodent and human airway cells.

2. Use flow cytometry and cell sorting to acquire specific populations of airway progenitor cells before and after in vitro inhalation exposures.

3. Prepare protein/DNA/RNA for downstream analyses.

4. Analyze and interpret data acquired during experiments and literature reviews

5. Disseminate results to PI and/or weekly laboratory meetings internal and external to Department.

3. Organizes laboratory equipment, supplies and prepares necessary laboratory management **(25%)**

1. Develop, write and modify standardized operating procedures based on results of complex experiments.

2. Establish and troubleshoot new laboratory protocols evaluating effectiveness and modifying based on analyses.

3. Organize all standard operating procedures as well as laboratory manuals.

4. Troubleshoot any broken or malfunctioning equipment

5. Help rotating students with performing and organizing experiments

Qualifications

Graduate level degree (PhD, MD, DO) in appropriate discipline plus >5 years specialized experience in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prefer experience in discipline with 2 to 4 years specialized experience in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of basic pulmonary physiology, molecular biology, and tissue culture method is also preferred. Animal handling skills (specifically with rats and mice) is required. Specific skills necessary for this position include knowledge of general laboratory safety processes, universal precautions, flow cytometry, aseptic cell culture technique, PCR, ELISA, and animal maintenance/treatment/handling/tissue preparation. Additional skills may be required and training provided as needed, including but not limited to inhalation exposures and flow cytometry. Thorough documentation of results in written and electronic database formats will be required. Advanced computer skills including MS Word and Excel are required. Skills in basic database management are preferred. Applicants are not expected to have mastery of all of these skills and will receive further training in the position.

**Equipment** : Computer, printer, scanner, fax, copier, telephone. Flow cytometer, animal cages, tissue staining, tissue culture with pipettes, PCR analyzer, Homogenizer, Tissue dissection with scalpel, inhalation exposure system. General laboratory equipment including biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, freezers & cold room, pH meter, autoclave, PCR machines, pipettors, fume hoods, spectrophotometers & ice machine, balances, microscopes, incubators, power supply & gel boxes.

**Biological Agents/Reagents:** Will include working with hazardous chemicals, potentially including but not limited to aldehydes, mustard agents, chlorine gas, and other toxic vapors/gases for inhalation exposures.

**Training / Certification Expectations:** Maintains all relevant animal training for mice per University protocols and guidelines.

**Required Competencies:** Demonstrates skill in communication with the Principal Investigators and other members of the laboratory team including communicating effectively with laboratories internal and external to the department. Proactive in resolving problems and implementing quality improvement with regards to experimental design. Demonstrates competence in the technical skills as detailed by the job description. Demonstrates high level of attention to detail. Must be able to work independently and without direction in the day-to-day operations of the laboratory. Must be able to maintain detailed records. Faculty will meet with the Principal Investigators once weekly for 1-2 hours to discuss results of experiments, present plans for experiments, make recommendations about new experiments, and prepare manuscripts.

**Supervisory responsibilities** : undergraduate and rotating graduate students

**Reports to:** Principal Investigator

Application Instructions

If you already have an Interfolio account, please sign in to apply for this position. If not, please create an Interfolio account. For questions/concerns about the position, email [email protected].

The referenced pay range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the base range of compensation for this faculty position. Individual salaries will be determined within the job’s salary range and established based on (but not limited to) market data, experience and expertise of the individual, and with consideration to related position salaries. Alignment of clinical incentive-based compensation may also be applicable and will be discussed during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EOE, including disability/protected veterans

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 Classes). 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.