Research Technician

Research Technician Position

A research technician position is available in the Shelby lab in the department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology at UTK (https://bcmb.utk.edu/sarah-shelby/).

The lab is newly established in BCMB as of Spring 2023. Research in the Shelby lab centers on the biophysics of immune receptor signaling in B and T cells, with applications in the basic science of immunology and cancer immunotherapy. We use a combination of biophysical and cell biological approaches to study how receptor signaling is regulated on the plasma membrane, with quantitative fluorescence microscopy of living cells as a primary experimental tool. Salary is commensurate with skills and experience. This is a full time position with a benefits package from the University of Tennessee.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The purpose of this position is to assist in the research and work done in the Shelby Lab, especially the setup and development of biological laboratory resources to be used in microscopy experiments. This will entail designing and performing procedures to establish cell lines, producing custom protein and DNA reagents, as well as collecting and analyzing biochemical data. The research technician will also regularly perform laboratory procedures to support ongoing research projects. This includes maintenance of mammalian cell culture, running immune cell functional assays, protein expression and purification, molecular biology, as well as many other facets needed for the research done in the lab. Responsibilities will require experimental problem resolution and exercise of independent judgment in performance of research activities. The work also includes reporting of data, detailed record-keeping, and some administrative tasks. The candidate will be partially responsible for day-to-day supervision of undergraduate students, as well as training undergraduate and graduate students in specific laboratory techniques and assays. This position will also provide the opportunity to learn cutting-edge biophysical techniques including super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology (general), Molecular or Cellular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or similar.
• Hands-on laboratory research experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and/or biophysics.

Minimum Required Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic biochemistry/biophysical/cellular biology laboratory procedures, including the use of balances, pH-meters, pipettes, and knowledge of sterile technique for bacterial and/or mammalian cell culture.

• General biochemistry/cellular biology background knowledge to enable meaningful understanding of assigned tasks.

• General background knowledge of scientific data analysis. Computer skills sufficient to use basic data analysis and graphing software and learn more specialized data analysis software packages.

• Good record-keeping, attentional to detail, and organizational skills. Knowledge of and ability to maintain a detailed lab notebook and other lab inventories.

• Awareness of and ability to follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.

• Ability to communicate and collaborate well with colleagues of diverse backgrounds. Ability to contribute to a respectful and collegial work environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Scientific problem-solving/troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 1 year or more of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and/or biophysics laboratory research experience.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Background knowledge and skills in mammalian cell culture, cell isolation and phenotyping, genetic manipulation of cells using transfection or transduction.

• Molecular biology skills and knowledge (DNA construct design, DNA cloning skills, DNA purification and analysis skills e.g. DNA gel electrophoresis, PCR, plasmid purification)

• Background knowledge and skills in protein purification.

• Background knowledge and skills in bioanalytical or preparative instrumental techniques (e.g. flow cytometry, fluorimetry, absorption spectroscopy, HPLC, FPLC, high-speed ultracentrifugation, mass spectrometry, etc.)

• Background knowledge and skills in biochemical assays such as polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, etc.

Additional Information

• Interested candidates should e-mail curriculum vitae and contact information for three references to: Dr. Sarah Shelby at sshelby4@utk.edu , with “Research technician position” in the subject line.

• Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled

• Also ensure that you complete the paperwork and add your attachments to HR link in which you found this posting.