Lab Technician

The laboratory of Dr. Peter Kang at the University of Minnesota focuses on the genetics of muscular dystrophy, mechanisms of disease for rare muscle disorders, and preclinical therapeutic development for inherited muscle diseases.  This position has the potential to prepare the technician for a graduate program in the biomedical sciences, particularly if the candidate is interested in genetics, molecular biology, and/or translational research.  A 2 year commitment is preferred.

Overall Responsibilities
• Assist in experiments for a variety of projects under the guidance of the Principal Investigator or other senior laboratory personnel
• Participate in laboratory meetings, presenting in rotation with other laboratory members
• Maintain detailed and well-organized records of daily experiments

Activities will fall within the following areas with estimated effort distribution:

Research Activities: 80%
• Assist in the planning of research activities, in conjunction with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory personnel, to ensure adherence to project/study timeline(s).
• Assist in the design of laboratory experiments; oversee their execution; and review, approve, or interpret results
• Provide regular updates to the Principal Investigator.
• Cultivate and manage the expansion and use of cell lines following established laboratory methods.
• Conduct molecular cloning experiments following established laboratory methods.
• Complete plasmid purification related activities, primer design related activities, RNA and DNA isolation related activities, and perform real-time PCR related activities with moderate to minimal supervision. 
• Coordinate sample drop offs and data retrieval from key core facilities
• Develop protocols to improve existing techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures
• Maintain accurate laboratory records that record research methods, procedures, and results.

Regulatory Compliance: 10%
• Assist laboratory manager to ensure regulatory compliance for lab activities.
• Order and reconcile laboratory supplies in advance of planned experiments.
• Assist and train other laboratory members.
• Maintain, update and follow laboratory Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) as needed to be in compliance with UF Environmental Health & Safety office.

Scholarly/Administrative Work: 10%
• Learn to conduct independent data analysis and present findings/outcomes to the Principal Investigator
• Assist Principal Investigator and other laboratory personnel in preparation of figures for presentations, publications, or grants.
• Assist in preparation of grant proposals and progress reports to funding agencies.