Career Center

Overview

Research in Dr. Clark Chen's laboratory focuses on understanding the biologic principles that govern the pathogenesis of glioblastoma, the most common form of brain cancer. The long term goal is to translate these fundamental biologic principles into clinically useful therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools. 

Under supervision, perform cell culture and propagation of tumor cell lines as well as transfection and cellular fractionation experiements.  Independently maintain tumor cell and neurosphere cultures for use in transfection and cellular fractionation experiments.  Responsible for maintaining and inventory of frozen cell stocks and routine testing for mycoplasma contamination.   Process tumor specimens by extracting DNA and RNA, as well as perform cloning and subcloning of DNA fragments. Independently extract DNA and RNA from tumor specimens as well as perform cloning and subcloning of DNA fragments.  Perform molecular biology/cell biologic assays, to study mouse models of cancer. With general supervision, handle mice for surgical procedures, as well as for tumor harvest and processing.

Serve as the point of contact with Animal Care Program (ACP).  These duties will include submission of protocols for review, organization of approved protocols along with mandated recordkeeping.  Train new lab members on ACP rules and regulations and ensure that their training is up to date.

Act as the Area Safety Coordinator for assigned laboratory space. Responsible for EH&S compliance of the laboratory and the required training of lab personnel. Preparation of chemical, biological, and radiation protocols for submission to EH&S committees for review.

Assist Principle Investigator with departmental budgetary and personnel matters.

Integrate information obtained from scientific journals for use in the laboratory and disseminate this information to other lab members.

Responsibilities also include: preparing media and reagents, maintaining laboratory organization and laboratory supplies, purchasing laboratory supplies, and other critical functions as needed for the laboratory to run smoothly.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:
1) Cell biology (30%)
a. Routine tissue culture propagation of tumor cell lines.  Maintain liquid nitrogen inventory for the laboratory.
b. Transfection of plasmids, siRNA, or other genetic material into tumor cell lines
c. Perform Florescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) experiments and prepare data derived for analysis.
d. Perform luciferase, clonogenic,  anchorage independent growth, and other bio-assays
e. Perform Western blotting and ELISA experiments
f. Perform cellular fractionation experiments

2) Molecular biology (20%)
a. Extract DNA and RNA from tumor specimens
b. Preparation of cDNA from RNA
c. Perform PCR and qPCR reactions
d. Perform cloning and subcloning of pertinent DNA fragments
e. Assist in the production of recombinant lenti- or retro-viruses

3) Animal studies (30%)
a. Handle mice for surgical procedures, including anesthesia administration
b. Prepare reagents and cells for animal studies
c. Perform data acquisition and quantitation of mouse experiments (weighing, in vivo luciferase assays, measurement of tumor size)
d. Perform tumor harvest and processing from mice.
e. Perform immunohistochemistry analysis of tumor specimens
f. Intracranial stereotactic injection of S. aureus for abscess modeling
g. Penetrating brain injury  models for traumatic brain injury

4) Laboratory Management  (20%)
a. Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies
b. Catalog of vectors, constructs, cell lines, and tumor specimens
c. Prepare media and reagents/buffers
d. Supervise undergraduate students and volunteers
e. Assist Principle Investigator with personnel, EH &S, and fiscal matters.
f. Present relevant scientific journal articles to lab group for discussion and incorporation of new ideas and procedures to the laboratory protocols.

Overview:
Research in Dr. Clark Chen's laboratory focuses on understanding the biologic principles that govern the pathogenesis of glioblastoma, the most common form of brain cancer. The long term goal is to translate these fundamental biologic principles into clinically useful therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools. 

Under supervision, perform cell culture and propagation of tumor cell lines as well as transfection and cellular fractionation experiements.  Independently maintain tumor cell and neurosphere cultures for use in transfection and cellular fractionation experiments.  Responsible for maintaining and inventory of frozen cell stocks and routine testing for mycoplasma contamination.   Process tumor specimens by extracting DNA and RNA, as well as perform cloning and subcloning of DNA fragments. Independently extract DNA and RNA from tumor specimens as well as perform cloning and subcloning of DNA fragments.  Perform molecular biology/cell biologic assays, to study mouse models of cancer. With general supervision, handle mice for surgical procedures, as well as for tumor harvest and processing.

Serve as the point of contact with Animal Care Program (ACP).  These duties will include submission of protocols for review, organization of approved protocols along with mandated recordkeeping.  Train new lab members on ACP rules and regulations and ensure that their training is up to date.

Act as the Area Safety Coordinator for assigned laboratory space. Responsible for EH&S compliance of the laboratory and the required training of lab personnel. Preparation of chemical, biological, and radiation protocols for submission to EH&S committees for review.

Assist Principle Investigator with departmental budgetary and personnel matters.

Integrate information obtained from scientific journals for use in the laboratory and disseminate this information to other lab members.

Responsibilities also include: preparing media and reagents, maintaining laboratory organization and laboratory supplies, purchasing laboratory supplies, and other critical functions as needed for the laboratory to run smoothly.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:
1) BS/BA and two (2) years of related experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal six (6) years.
2) Theoretical knowledge of cell biology and molecular biology, such as attained with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other related areas, or equivalent education and experience.
3) Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and equipment, such as sterile techniques, preparation of buffers, centrifuges, balance pH meters and electrophoresis equipment.
4) Experience performing routine cell culture techniques. Experience following basic research protocols and instructions closely.
5) Experience with preparing chemical solutions. Ability to perform standard mathematic computations (calculate molarity) accurately.
6) Experience and skill in using computers for basic word processing and data entry and database searching
7) Ability to adhere to established guidelines for safety and environmental issues.
8) Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.
9) Strong communication skills (both verbally and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively with a diverse population at all levels of organization in person, over the phone or in writing. Ability to use diplomacy, tact, and discretion in all interactions.
10) Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.
11) Ability to work independently and cooperatively
12) Ability to accurately record experimental details and results
 

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