Research Technician

Job Summary

The Matt lab explores the neurotransmitter and inflammation-mediated molecular mechanisms underlying comorbid depression and HIV. Projects also include the inflammatory impact of psychiatric drugs on myeloid cells (macrophages, microglia) in the context of HIV. We mainly use primary human macrophages from blood as well as iPSC-derived macrophages and microglia. The majority of our experiments use high-content imaging to perform high-throughput analysis of large, heterogenous cell populations and molecular targets in response to many distinct stimuli. Administratively, this individual is responsible for a variety of logistical and maintenance tasks as needed to keep lab operations running smoothly. These include but are not limited to ordering supplies, maintaining lab inventory and managing lab instruments. Scientifically, the individual hired for this position will be heavily involved in the isolation, culture and differentiation of myeloid cells from human blood. This individual will also be responsible for characterizing the cells obtained from each isolation using standard molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry. This individual will also be actively assisting Dr. Matt with specific projects involving HIV infection, high content imaging and analysis, qPCR and Western blotting, and will also help assist other lab members with their specific projects as time permits.

A successful candidate will join the Matt lab in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine as a research technician. The ideal candidate will have 1+ years of research experience, be proactive, able to work well with groups, highly organized and willing to learn. This individual must be comfortable being trained to work with HIV in BSL-2+ settings. Individual should be experienced with academic software such as Microsoft Office (Word / Excel / Powerpoint), Lab Archives, Biorender, Prism, Adobe Illustrator, and similar programs as well as with cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques (Western blotting, qPCR, immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry).

Essential Functions

• Research (experiment prep, molecular assays). Work directly with Dr. Matt setting up and executing specific experiments.
• Prepare reagents and stocks.
• Regular isolation and culture of macrophages from fresh and frozen human blood samples.
• Differentiation and culture of iPSC-derived myeloid cells.
• Perform molecular assays (flow cytometry, qPCR, immunofluorescent staining, Western Blots) to assist Dr. Matt and other lab members with their projects as time permits.
• Administration/Lab Maintenance. Monitor and maintain inventories of laboratory reagents, supplies and samples.
• Order new reagents, supplies, and equipment as necessary.
• Maintaining lab space in a clean, working state. Generate biosafety protocols, SOPs, records of maintenance and other records according to university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Neuroscience/Immunology or similar or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  
  
  
  • Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.
  
  
  
  
• Minimum of 1+ years of experience.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking

Location

• Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Non-Exempt, grade F. Compensation for this grade ranges from $ 14.10 to $ 21.15 per hour. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.