Position title: Researcher 3 and Lab Manager, Comparative Oncology Lab

Position overview: The Makielski lab at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Center is seeking to hire a research technician and lab manager. The lab is located in the Masonic Cancer Research Building, on the East Bank of the Minneapolis campus. This position will involve designing and conducting complex experiments and analyzing data related to cancer research in animals and humans, with a focus on osteosarcoma and exosome biology, as well as assisting with the management of the laboratory. The position involves a balance of research activities (75-80%) and laboratory management duties (20-25%).

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge cancer research, with a focus on canine and human osteosarcoma and exosome biology, in a dynamic and
collaborative laboratory environment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make significant contributions to the field of comparative oncology research and develop valuable skills in laboratory management, scientific communication, teamwork, experimental methods, and data analysis.

Key responsibilities:
ï‚· Lab management (20-25%):
o Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure that it is in good working condition.
o Manage laboratory inventory, including ordering supplies and maintaining stock.
o Maintain laboratory safety records and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
o Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
o Train new personnel on laboratory techniques, procedures, and instrumentation.

ï‚· Research activities (75-80%):
o Design and conduct complex laboratory experiments related to human and canine osteosarcoma.
o Perform cell culture and maintain cell lines used in experiments.
o Design complex experiments, including those utilizing animal models.
o Assist with animal handling, including administration of drugs and other treatments.
o Transportation of samples between the veterinary school and the lab for processing.
o Process blood and tissue samples.
o Have some degree of schedule flexibility to process occasional samples after hours.
o Enrich exosomes from samples and perform exosome characterization (including flow cytometry, nanoparticle tracking analysis, electron microscopy, and immunoblot).
o Perform DNA and RNA extraction from blood and tissue samples.
o Prepare and submit samples for next-generation sequencing.
o Perform protein extraction from exosome preparations.
o Attend laboratory meetings and present research findings.
o Collect, organize, and analyze data from laboratory experiments.
o Keep accurate and detailed records of all laboratory activities.
o Collaborate with other researchers and laboratory staff to achieve research goals, including contributing to the planning and design of experiments.

o Communicate regularly with team members to share data, troubleshoot experiments, and coordinate tasks.
o Help with the preparation of scientific papers, presentations and posters.

Salary and Benefits: The salary and the position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Qualifications:
ï‚· Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in a science-related field with at least 2 years of experience,
or a combination of education and work experience to equal 6 years.
ï‚· Master’s degree preferred.
ï‚· Laboratory experience is required.
ï‚· Experience handling laboratory animals, especially mice, is required.
ï‚· Strong organizational and communication skills.
ï‚· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
ï‚· Ability to design and conduct complex, multi-step, laboratory experiments.
ï‚· Attention to detail and the ability to accurately record and analyze data.
ï‚· Ability to work in a dynamic team environment, collaborating effectively with other
members of the laboratory.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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