A new lab in the Department of Neurosurgery is seeking an experienced full-time Lab Manager (LSRA) to help advance our understanding of corticospinal development and spinal cord injury through the use of microRNA analysis and related approaches. The LSRA will also serve as laboratory manager.

Summary of Responsibilities: The LSRA will work independently on daily tasks and assigned experiments after consultation with the PI. These will include mouse procedures, cell purification, RNA isolation, microRNA expression profiling, in situ hybridization (regular and microRNA), fluorescence microscopy, and qPCR. The position will involve learning techniques from other labs and modifying existing techniques and procedures to meet specific research needs. The LSRA will also be responsible for general management and maintenance of the lab, and ordering supplies, animals, and equipment. Keeping of detailed records and an orderly laboratory is required.

This may be an ideal job for someone with solid research experience who is considering an application to medical school; there may be opportunities to shadow a practicing neurosurgeon outside of your work hours. This may alternatively be a great opportunity for an experienced scientist who enjoys working independently and wishes to make original contributions to the field.

Qualifications

Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field
• Minimum of two years laboratory experience
• Proficiency with basic molecular biology methods such as PCR technologies, cloning, RNA isolation and in situ hybridization
• Knowledge of basic computer programs routinely used in a lab; ability to quickly learn and master computer programs
• The ability to plan, conduct & modify experiments
• Ability to work independently with general guidance
• Excellent organization and communication skills

Desired:
• Master’s or PhD degree in biological sciences or related field
• three to five years of relevant laboratory experience
• Previous small animal experience
• Lab manager experience
• microRNA experience
• Bioinformatics experience, experience managing and interpreting large datasets
• Background in neuroscience or interest in spinal cord injury or brain development
• A flexible individual with a large set of experimental skills who learns quickly