The Research Laboratory Technician – Translational Cell Therapy Lab (TCTL) will assist in the daily operations of the TCTL, which conducts an array of biomedical research projects—primarily focused on neuromuscular regeneration and aging—and interact with a diverse group of affiliated scientists and students.

The Research Laboratory Technician – TCTL will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Research Laboratory Technician – TCTL will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Supports a team of biomedical researchers tasked with investigating the mechanisms of aging and neuromuscular regeneration through transplantation of adult stem cells and/or their secreted factors into murine models.
2. Manages inventory of supplies and places orders when necessary.
3. Assists scientists to perform and document translational and basic science studies.
4. Performs mouse colony maintenance and husbandry; including genotyping and phenotype characterization.
5. Carry out tissue fixation, cryosectioning, and various (immuno-) histochemical staining techniques.
6. Interfaces with a diverse group, including the core research team, academic and industrial collaborators, research administration, and federal funding agencies.
7. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Translational Cell Therapy Lab and Shirley Ryan Abilitylab.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to Translational Cell Therapy Lab Principal Investigator, Dr. Mitra Lavasani.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

Required Skills Required Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in a biology related field. Additional neuromuscular, bioengineering, or physiology background is a plus.
• Experience with animal work, preferably rodent studies, and knowledge of neuromuscular anatomy.
• Experience with scientific writing and presentations.
• Experience with cryosectioning and cell culture is preferred but not required.
• Must be self-motivated, capable of working independently, and complete assignments with