DESCRIPTION

Independently participate in investigations on signaling pathways controlling liver fibrosis. The incumbent will support multiple areas of research in the lab, including:

1) Large scale isolation, expansion, culture, cryopreservation and characterization of primary human and mouse liver cells.
2) Development and validation of a novel 3D human in vitro model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).
3) Maintenance of transgenic mouse colonies.

Essential duties will include: Assisting with large scale isolation of human primary liver cells including large scale amplification, culture and characterization of primary human and mouse cell types to support in vitro disease modeling efforts; Culture and analysis of human bioprinted tissues under normal and disease-inducing culture conditions, with/without drug modulators; Breeding of transgenic mice, breeding strategies, genotyping, and administration of experimental compounds.

Assay techniques for cell and tissue characterization to include: Purification and analysis of proteins using immunoprecipitation, western blotting and ELISA; Cell viability and metabolic activity assays; Histology; Fluorescence microscopy and imaging; Purification of RNA from human and mouse samples; Real-time quantitative PCR; Preparation of samples for RNA-seq and ChIP-seq; Complex data analysis using statistical tools.

The Research Associate will manage and coordinate research efforts with other collaborators as appropriate for multidisciplinary research. Contribute to planning and conduct research projects based on reviews of scientific literature and recent advances in related fields. Contribute novel ideas in designing key experiments and developing new techniques. Report results to supervisors and at internal group meetings, and assist PI in reviewing and completing laboratory and scientific documents. Perform other duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of biology, molecular and cellular biology, attained through a Bachelor's Degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Experience with large scale amplification, culture and characterization of primary human and mouse cells including experience with culturing cell preparations, and expertise in sterile technique.

• Demonstrated experience in immunological techniques including immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry.

• Proven experience with standard biochemical and molecular biological laboratory procedures such as cell based assays, gel electrophoresis, PCR, RNA purification, reverse transcription, real time quantitative PCR, protein purification. Western Blotting, ELISA and Histological analysis.

• Experience with mice, including breeding strategies for generating new strains, genotyping, and administration of compounds by intraperitoneal injection and oral gavage.

• Thorough knowledge and experience using various microscopy techniques including fluorescent microscopy.

• Experience using imaging software such as ImageJ. Demonstrated experience in updating and maintaining large data bases.

• Proficiency with MS Office programs, including Power Point, Word, Excel and graphics software; willingness and ability to update and increase Mac/PC skills and knowledge as needed.

• Thorough knowledge of and familiarity with scientific library databases such as PubMed to locate journal articles electronically and in print.

• Demonstrated experience in developing hypotheses, conducting studies, and analyzing experimental data.

• Successful, positive interpersonal oral and written communication skills using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Skill to interact effectively with faculty, academics, students, and staff including those of diverse ethnicity, culture, and foreign nationalities.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.
• Must be willing to work with small animals.
• Must be willing to work with cells, viruses and bacteria.
• Must be willing to work with human tissue. Willing to work with tissue pro