Laboratory Research Technician

Laboratory Research Technician

The Leukemia and Drug Development Lab (LDDL-P) at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Assistant to join a dynamic laboratory focused on developing next-generation cellular therapies for hematologic malignancies. The successful candidate will support preclinical studies involving engineered immune cells, including NK- and T-cell platforms, and will perform a broad range of advanced technical duties such as cell culture, multi-parameter flow cytometry, molecular assays, and maintenance of primary cell-based models.

The Research Assistant will work closely with investigators, trainees, and clinical research partners to ensure smooth laboratory operations, generate high-quality experimental data, and support ongoing therapeutic development programs within the Hillman cellular therapy research ecosystem. The LDDL-P is in the Assembly building. We are a diverse team focused on studying the etiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and cure of hematological malignancies.

Job Summary

Performs a variety of laboratory experiments and procedures. Prepares specimens. Oversees supply management. Operates and properly maintains equipment.

Essential Functions:

• Contribute to collective team effort.
• Document and organize research results and data according to NIH's preferred good laboratory management practices (Lab Archives).
• Make independent contributions to projects and studies based on evidence-based literature.
• Independently work on projects and troubleshoot problems.
• Perform statistical and graphical analysis of data, interpretation of data and validity of testing.
• Maintain timely project goals, deadlines, and studies for contributions to publications and grant funding applications.
• Analyze and communicate results and data analysis from high throughput sequencing platforms.
• Molecular biology techniques desired:
• Sterile cell culture techniques
• Tissue culture and related wet lab techniques (i.e. western blotting, functional assays)
• Isolation of NK and T-cells from blood
• Optimize and perform in vitro immune assays
• Flow cytometry
• DNA isolation and cloning technique including PCR
• Gene editing of cell lines and primary cells with CRISPR-Cas9 electroporation or viral transduction
• Some animal handling

Physical Effort:
Moderate physical effort required. May be required to stand/move for several hours at a time. May be required to move objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of equipment.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category:
Full-time regular

Job Classification:
Staff.

Laboratory Research Technician II

Job Family:
Research

Job Sub-Family:
Laboratory

Campus:
Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level

Required:

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience

Required:

1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? No

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm

Work Arrangement:
On-Campus:
Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered:
Yes

Visa Sponsorship Provided:
No

Background Check:
For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances:
Not Applicable

Required Documents:
Resume

Optional Documents:
Cover Letter