The Ray Lab (https://arjaraylab.com) is seeking a motivated, organized, and collaborative Research Technologist with interests in immunology/cancer to join our growing team in the Department of Cell Biology. In the Ray lab, we study the effects of tumor microenvironments on the regulation of CD8 T cell function. CD8 T cells are the primary cells responsible for cancer cell killing and the target of most immunotherapies for cancer. We use genetically engineered mouse models, advanced multi-parametric flow cytometry, live imaging and other spatial techniques, along with in vitro engineered models to study these critical determinants of anti-tumor immunity. New members will be joining a welcoming and collaborative environment, focused on building a rigorous team to tackle the next-generation problems in cancer immunology.

In this position, you will learn and apply cutting-edge immunology, cell biology and imaging techniques to answer specific research questions related to tumor immunology under the direct guidance of Dr. Ray. As part of our nascent team, you will have the unique opportunity to work in a close-knit group and gain personal hands-on guidance, as well as opportunities for open-ended growth with your project(s). In this context, we expect new recruits to gain sufficient expertise and make contributions to be co-authors on the lab’s first publications. The experience with these research projects and lab management will be developed with your future ambitions in mind– including pursuing graduate studies in biomedical sciences/engineering or medical school.

The Research Technologist will play a formative role in the early stages of lab setup and management. These duties include, but may not be limited to, ordering equipment and supplies, receiving shipments, setting up and maintaining equipment, and monitoring inventories. If you have a solid base in scientific thinking (e.g. a bachelor’s in sciences/engineering), are enthusiastic about research (with or without formal experience), have good communication skills, and enjoy working in a team, we encourage you to apply.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and run experiments, from simple PCRs to complex readouts of tumor immune profiling involving many steps. Dr. Ray will facilitate your learning and growth as an experimentalist starting at your current level of experience.
• Prepare reagents, materials for running of these experiments. These include ordering, preparing and organizing stock reagents and consumables.
• Curate, analyze and present data. Resources and training will be provided directly by Dr. Ray and the team to develop these crucial skills.
• Careful record keeping in accordance with scientific standards. These include lab notebooks and lab inventory/SOPs/Ethics and Safe Use Compliance documents.
• Gain expertise in running day-to-day equipment and materials necessary for experimental readouts/basic lab upkeep. These include tissue culture hoods, centrifuges, pH meters, analytical balances, fluorescent antibodies, thermocyclers, basic flow cytometers, etc...
• Aid in training other lab members on day-to-day routine lab techniques and procedures
• Basic mouse handling including tagging, ear punching, genotyping and harvesting organs for downstream analysis.
• Opportunities to train and use high-end research equipment such as fluorescence microscopes, high-end flow cytometers, cryostats.
• Opportunities to learn advanced mouse experimental techniques such as tumor injections and monitoring, mouse injections etc.

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field

• Bachelor's Degree in Biological/Chemical Sciences or Engineering.
• At least 6 months of undergraduate or postgraduate research experience.
• Experience with tissue culture/microscopy/flow cytometry/tumor studies.
• Working knowledge of immunology.
• Basic coding skills.

Classified Title: Research Technologist 
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC  
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($35,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Cell Bio Cell Biology  
Personnel area: School of Medicine