Research Technologist II - Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Summary

Under general supervision, the candidate will design and execute experiments for sponsored research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. They will join Dr. Chaurasia's multidisciplinary research team, focusing on translational studies of ocular diseases and the development of therapeutics for angiogenesis and cancer.

The ideal candidate should have practical experience in translational research, working with team members using small- and large-animal models and employing molecular biology and biochemical techniques. Experience in mammalian cell culture, RNA and protein analysis, along with a strong understanding of ocular biology, will be beneficial.

The candidate should work well independently and collaboratively, maintain detailed experimental records, analyze data, and assist in preparing manuscripts.

Primary Functions

• Carry out routine and complex experiments.
• Care and maintain a rodent colony by managing husbandry, breeding, genotyping, and promptly conducting ocular imaging, surgery, and functional tests.
• Work with the team members to evaluate pig and rabbit models of ocular diseases.
• Assist team members and the PI in maintaining mammalian cell cultures using various culturing techniques.
• Perform tissue histopathology, fluorescence imaging, and routine cell and molecular biology techniques in the lab.
• Evaluate drugs or small molecules/nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo models.
• Perform immune cell profiling using flow cytometry.
• Assist in development and implementation of research protocols.
• Record and compile accurate records and communicate summaries of experimental results.
• Participate in training new lab personnel, including high school and undergraduate students, graduate students, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Oversee daily lab operations and keep experimental and research records under the PI's supervision.
• Manage inventory and order lab supplies; perform assigned tasks related to ordering and maintaining the supply inventory.
• Participate in meetings with the PI and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data as needed.
• Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on specialized equipment used in research.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, documentation, and records management.
• Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills.
• Previous work with animals and translational research will be a plus.

Qualifications

• Appropriate experience may be substituted for education an on equivalent basis.
• Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree
• Minimum Required Experience: 1 year

Preferred Certification / Licensure(s)

1-2 years of ophthalmology research experience in handling small and large animals, including pigs and rabbits, is preferred

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Risk Potential

Little or no exposure to hazards such as dust, fumes, or extreme temperatures, airborne or blood borne pathogens, extreme temperatures, or allergens.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment..