The Morhardt Lab at Dartmouth Health is seeking an enthusiastic, highly-motivated research assistant (job title Lab Research Coordinator – Surgery) to assist with exciting new research on the urinary system development using zebrafish. The position involves care of a zebrafish colony and developmental research using zebrafish and small animal models. In this position, the candidate will perform a wide range of tasks associated with supporting day-to-day molecular biology experiments, zebrafish experiments, and next generation sequencing with the goal of understanding genitourinary tract development and engineered tissue substitutes. The position includes zebrafish husbandry, maintaining protocols for animals and human specimens, and lab management. Post-baccalaureate applicants are encouraged to apply, the expectation will be to attain a fair degree of schedule independence. Expected start date 7/1/2023 or sooner.

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Job Description:

Position Title: Laboratory Research Technician Job Code: 402180
Exemption Status: Exempt Grade: 027
Department Name: Various Function: CLN
Reports To: Supervisor Date:
Rev Date: 05/16/18
06/14/20

Position Summary: A brief description of the overall primary duties
We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly-motivated Research Assistant to work on development of the urinary system. The position involves care of a zebrafish colony and development research using zebrafish and small animal models. In this position, the candidate will perform a wide range of tasks associated with supporting day-to-day molecular biology experiments, zebrafish experiments, and next generation sequencing with the goal of understanding genitourinary tract development and engineered tissue substitutes. The position includes zebrafish husbandry, maintaining protocols for animals and human specimens, and lab management. The expectation will be to attain a fair degree of schedule independence to perform experiments and analysis.

Responsibilities: A listing of the key responsibilities
Experiments (30% effort)
• Conducts specified laboratory experiments/tests, utilizing a range of established methods, procedures, and techniques, e.g. in situ hybridization, QPCR, microinjection, physiology and microscopy in zebrafish.
• Sets up and assists with research protocols and experiments under the general guidance of the Principal Investigator and other senior investigators in the laboratory; may have primary responsibility for independently setting up, performing and trouble shooting less complex experiments.
• Observes experimental results in progress and maintains written records of activities and observations; applies past experience and precedents to identify and troubleshoot problems.
• Reconciles results that are disparate from anticipated findings; re-runs techniques as necessary.
• Reports experimental results to the Principal Investigator and other senior laboratory personnel and assists in their analysis
• Collaborates with senior laboratory personnel in investigating and developing modifications to techniques and documents all new techniques developed in the laboratory.
• Adheres to laboratory safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods

Animal Care (30% effort)
• Handles and cares for zebrafish and/or small animals on a daily basis, including feeding, washing tanks, spawning, raising, etc.
• Observes and maintains an awareness of the physical needs of the animals and their condition and reports changes to supervisor.
• Observes and records the condition of the animal’s environment, including temperature, pH, and light cycle, etc.
• Assists with maintenance of transgenic zebrafish lines including setting up breeding pairs and record keeping.

Records (15% effort)
• Collects and analyzes data resulting from experimentation/testing and presents findings to Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel.
• Summarizes results and prepares progress reports for oral presentation at laboratory meetings.
• Prepares appropriate and understandable representations of data such as graphs, charts, tables, statistical summaries, etc.
• Contributes to the preparation of scientific manuscripts by drafting portions of the text, preparing graphs, tables, and charts, etc.
• Conducts literature searches to assist in establishing new laboratory techniques

Laboratory (20% Effort)
• Accomplishes day-to-day care and housekeeping of laboratory.
• Assess the need for and orders supplies and reagents needed for experiments.
• Assists in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and safety records, and in the preparation of routine reagents.
• Monitors laboratory equipment and instrument performance; obtains maintenance and repair as necessary.
• Maintains computerized records associated with laboratory activities.
• Instructs others in laboratory methods, procedures, and techniques and provides technical guidance and direction as required.

Miscellaneous(5% effort)
• May assist in surgical procedures.
• Communicates respectfully with a diverse community.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of laboratory based research experience, or the equivalent in education and experience, preferred.
• Previous experience working with cell cultures and molecular biology techniques-QCPR, cell culture, animal care with zebrafish experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational and writing skills required.
• Knowledge of laboratory and safety standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of using/reading/keeping graphs, logs, charts and statistics.
• Knowledge of standard computer software packages for data analysis and presentation, and on-line literature search engines.
• Detail-oriented and a strong enthusiasm to engage in development, cancer biology, and genomic research and learn new techniques
• Ability to effectively work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Required Licensure/Certification Skills:
• None