| A highly qualified and motivated research technician, with a minimum of three years of experience working in a research lab, is sought to join the Ankeny laboratory in the Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. This laboratory will focus on understanding the tumor immune microenvironment of pancreatic malignancies from the standpoint of dendritic cell subsets, phenotypes, and their roles in activating or inhibiting anti-tumor immune cells. We will also seek to understand the role that local and systemic immune therapies play in perturbing this system for the achievement of treatment benefit in patients with these cancers. To answer these fundamental questions, we will rely heavily on analysis of both genetically engineered mouse models and transgenic mice, and also fresh human tissues. We will utilize tissue processing methods, advanced flow cytometry, RNAseq, single cell RNAseq, immune cell isolation, culture, and expansion, and multiple immune assays to understand immune dysfunction, at the level of antigen presenting cells, throughout the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. The lab will share space with the Provenzano lab (another lab working on pancreatic cancer), but the technician will report to Dr. Ankeny. This represents an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual to work and learn in a tight-knit team and directly contribute to the study of relevant problems in cancer.
Specific Duties:
Independent Conduct of Scientific Experiments (80%)
• Maintenance and treatment of cells in culture as needed.
• Care of KPC genetic or related mice in facilities.
• Establishment of genetic tumor mouse models, treatment of animals, and assessment of treatment response via viability assays, immune assays, and cytokine profiling.
• Perform mouse necropsy to analyze mouse tissues for immune cell populations, phenotypes, and underlying mechanisms.
• Processing and gradient centrifugation of peripheral blood samples.
• Processing and dissociation of fresh tissue specimens.
• Preparation and processing of single cell suspensions for multi-color flow cytometry.
• Preparation and processing of fresh tissue for immunofluorescence or histocytometry.
• Preparation and processing of single cell suspensions or fresh tissue for genetic analysis including bulk RNAseq, single cell RNAseq, and possible exome sequencing or PCR.
• Perform routine molecular biology analyses as needed.
• Evaluate the effects of therapeutics on cells, tissue samples, and in animal models as above.
• Develop and troubleshoot new techniques and assays.
• Develop new protocols and ensure they are followed precisely.
• Independently problem solve/resolve issues with scientific experiments and recommend solutions. Laboratory Management (10%)
• Maintain laboratory safety by ensuring that the lab is compliant with appropriate safety regulations and that lab specific protocols are established and followed.
• Ensure compliance with record keeping and safety training.
• Oversee the tracking and restocking of lab supplies.
• Perform validation exercises for all aspects of reagent and supply preparation and processing.
• Other maintenance and supply duties as required. Data Management (5%)
• Analyze, summarize, and report experimental data to Principal Investigator as well as other members of the research team as needed.
• Oversee meticulous record keeping of all experiments and projects.
• Other data management duties as required. Literature review, R&D, and additional duties (5%)
• Review relevant research literature to facilitate job performance.
• Attendance at weekly lab meetings.
• Collaborate on the preparation of protocols, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Oversee ongoing R&D operations as time allows and as assigned by Principal Investigator.
• Other duties as required. The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including: - Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
- Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
- Excellent retirement plans with employer match
- Disability and employer paid life insurance
- Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
- Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
- Student loan forgiveness opportunity
- Opportunities for growth and promotion
- Employee Assistance Program
For more information regarding benefits: here |
