Senior Cell Culture Technician- Neuroscience

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Provides direct research support at the senior professional level of a large Neuroscience laboratory by participating in major aspects of a pre-clinical research project on cell-based therapy of neurological disease; and provides guidance to faculty, postdocs, technicians, and other lab staff relating to that project.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

With broad guidance as to research project objectives, is in charge of the technical laboratory operations of the complex research projects conducted in the Cell and Gene Therapy division of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine. Also works independently in specific aspects of those specific research projects. Responsibilities include most or all of the following, as well as other related duties:

1. Analyzes and evaluates cell culture data and interprets results within the scope of the pre-clinical, pre-investigational new drug (IND) study; assesses the importance of findings in relation to the therapeutic goals of the program. Prepares written reports on all phases of cell culture work for use in the publication of articles and submission of findings to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Regularly presents findings and discusses results in research group meetings of the division and the Center. Prepares written reports on all phases of laboratory work involved in research projects used in the publication of articles. Contributes to the final writing of research publications.

2. Organizes and directs research activities in the laboratory. Informs staff (technicians, postdocs, grad students) of their responsibilities regarding technical issues in cell culture. Teaches cell culture technique and instrumentation procedures, as well as regulatory compliance, to graduate students, research faculty and professional laboratory support staff. Advises and assists them with technical issues in cell culture and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) documentation. Insures that health and safety practices are maintained in accordance with University policy and regulations.

3. Collaborates with investigators in writing GLP Standard Operating Procedures for the conduct of pre-clinical research which include: purposes of study, design of experiments, lists of materials and methods to be used and the schedule of activities. Assists faculty researchers in the design of research projects.

4. Develops and installs operating procedures for the laboratory. Insures that health and safety practices are maintained in accordance with University policy and the law, including universal precautions when handling blood products, the handling of sharps, maintaining biohazard safety levels when using mammalian virus vectors, etc.

5. Independently operates inverted, phase microscope with camera, as well as other cell-culture-relevant equipment, in order to produce critical research data. Evaluates the performance of research equipment, develops new approaches for its use, as appropriate.

6. Keeps abreast of trends in field of interest by studying current research literature, abstracting scientific articles of value in the prosecution of research problems and by attending meetings, institutes and seminars.

7. Maintains contact with outside research laboratories, vendors and technical representatives concerning assigned area of research. Orients visitors to the laboratory.

8. Other projects and duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The equivalent of a Master's Degree in experience, training and education, 5 years in the field of assignment with some independent research experience; or an equivalent combination of experience, training and education.

• Prior experience with cell and gene therapies, GLP environments, and supervisory experience preferred.

• Must be self-motivated and capable of working both independently and in a collaborative setting.

• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to readily learn new experimental techniques.

• Strong analytical, communication, organizational and computer skills.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled