Laboratory Research Technician

The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neurological Surgery, Jauhari Laboratory is seeking a temporary Laboratory Research Technician to support a research program investigating epitranscriptomic (m⁶A RNA methylation) mechanisms in Huntington's disease. The technician will work across mouse genetics, molecular biology, and in vivo pharmacology to support a project spanning HD mouse models, human iPSC-derived neurons, and epitranscriptomic profiling.

Lab-Specific Responsibilities Perform and maintain mammalian cell culture , including routine culture, treatment, passaging, and experimental preparation. Culture and maintain iPSC-derived neuronal cells and support differentiation and experimental studies using human neuronal models. Perform RNA and protein extraction from cultured cells and animal tissues for downstream molecular analyses.

Conduct qRT-PCR/qPCR assays for gene-expression analysis and molecular characterization. Perform Western blotting for quantitative analysis of proteins involved in neuronal function, neurodegeneration, RNA regulation, mitochondrial biology, and related pathways. Perform immunofluorescence (IF) and immunocytochemistry (ICC) in cultured cells and tissue samples, including sample preparation, staining, imaging, and quantitative analysis.

Perform animal procedures , including intraperitoneal injections and AAV-based delivery, under approved institutional protocols and appropriate training. Assist with animal perfusion, brain dissection, and tissue collection , including isolation of cortex, striatum, and other relevant brain regions at defined experimental timepoints.

Process and preserve animal tissues for RNA/protein extraction, histology, immunofluorescence, and related downstream analyses . Maintain accurate experimental records, laboratory notebooks, sample inventories, and animal-related documentation in accordance with institutional and IACUC requirements. Operate, maintain, clean, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, including PCR/qPCR instruments, Western blot equipment, fluorescence imaging systems, and tissue-processing equipment .

Assist with experimental optimization, troubleshooting, quantitative data analysis, and organization of results for presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related activities. Maintain laboratory supplies and assist with ordering, procurement, receiving, inventory tracking, and reagent management . Follow all applicable laboratory safety, biosafety, animal-care, and institutional policies and procedures Works under direct supervision, following prescribed procedures; routine problem-solving guided by established protocols, with decisions outside standard policy referred to the PI.

Minimum education to be considered for this position is a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Interested candidates, please go to Home | Talent Center: Careers at Pitt | University of Pittsburgh and use requisition #26006213 to apply for this position. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity, EOE, including disability/vets.

A Bachelor's degree is required.