Lab Technician

Under this task order, the contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging – Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD). The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

• Clean Equipment – Daily
• Meet with lab members to present updates – Weekly
• Work products and documents related to characterizing genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models; use IPSC lines to develop the differentiation protocols.
• Work products and documents related to evaluating the stability of differentiated cells across clines and passages to identify cell lines with desirable characteristics for subsequent cell engineering.
• Work products and documentation to develop differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocols.
• Work products and documentation resulting from large-scale automated cell culture phenotyping of iPSC lines.
• Work products and documents related to providing insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture; conduct independent research relating to the genetics of ADRD. – Weekly
• Inspect Equipment – Weekly
• Work products and documents related to evaluating the stability of differentiated cells across clines and passages to identify cell lines with desirable characteristics for subsequent cell engineering. – Weekly
• Work products and documentation to develop cell differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocols – Weekly
• Work products and documents related to developing novel tools for CRISPR interference tool development in iPSCs – Weekly
• Work products and documentation resulting from cell culture phenotyping of iPSC lines. – Weekly
• Work products and documents related to providing insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture; conduct independent research relating to the genetics of ADRD. – Weekly
• Work products and documents related to applying published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis – Weekly
• Work products and documents related to updating and maintaining laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze, and interpret data; prepare summaries and reports based on results and findings; draft and revise manuscripts for publication; attend meetings and present results and findings for staff discussion. – Weekly

• Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life.
• Keep detailed, organized, and accurate digital and physical experimental records.
• Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases.
• Attend meetings and present results and findings for staff discussion.
• Work with staff on performing large-scale automated iPSC cell culture experiments.
• Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures related to differentiation and phenotyping of induced pluripotent stem cell lines. – 1
• Work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models.
• Work with staff to apply published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis.
• Collect, Analyze, interpret, and organize data and present results in team and departmental meetings.
• Work independently in designing, developing, and performing new methods.
• Support other research projects.
• Work independently on expanding and banking mutant iPSC lines.
• Evaluate the stability of iPSC and iPSC-derived cells across multiple engineered and non-engineered lines.
• Work with staff to provide insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on cellular and molecular readouts in cell culture.
• Keep detailed, organized and accurate digital and physical inventory from mutant iPSC lines banked.
• Train Staff on cell culture techniques.
• Train staff on the proper usage of equipment.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise to all visiting fellows, post-docs, and technicians internal and external.
• Support other research projects.
• Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures.
• Collaborate with other team members to carry out large-scale cell culture protocols using manual and high throughput robotic systems.
• Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining. – 2
• Independently design, troubleshoot, and carry out cell culture experiments to develop iPSC differentiations.
• Transduce iPSCs with lentivirus and transfect iPSCs with plasmids as part of routine cell culture experiments.
• Support other research projects performing cell culture protocols manual or high throughput scale.
• Support other research projects performing mycoplasma assay of routine cell culture.
• Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment.
• Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples. – 3
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot instruments and equipment in the laboratory.
• Maintain and perform staff training on scientific instrumentation, cell culture microscopes, microanalytical balances, centrifuges, automated platforms.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and train others to use laboratory equipment and software.
• Train staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Provide assistance to laboratory staff in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparing figures for publication.
• Review scientific equipment and resources including reagents, stocks of frozen cells, mammalian samples including acquisition, documentation, and storage.
• Keep inventory of consumables and reagents use for cell culture techniques.
• Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Develop image analysis routines to analyze the effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes.
• Develop new differentiation protocols for iPSC lines to differentiate into disease-relevant cell types like neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
• Learn how to operate and implement novel methods on liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Biotek).

Certifications & Licenses

• Master’s degree in a cell biology, neurobiology, or related discipline

 

Field of Study

• Biology
• Miscellaneous Biology
• Biochemical Sciences
• Neuroscience

 

Software

• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Excel
• Microsoft Word

 

Skills

• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures
• Minimum of three (3) years of related experience
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written
• Hands-on experience with cell culture in particular working with iPS cells, design, implement and troubleshooting
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills