Job Description

Job Summary
The Varley Lab in the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute seeks a Senior Lab Specialist to contribute to their translational breast cancer research. The Varley Lab uses cutting edge genomics techniques to characterize the epigenetic defects that occur in breast cancer. We also develop novel biomarker tests and therapeutics strategies that improve patient care.

The Senior Lab Specialist will:
Manage laboratory organization which includes tracking specimens, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and documenting laboratory protocols and laboratory safety compliance.
Perform molecular biology experiments which includes nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, and next generation sequencing library construction.
Perform human cell culture experiments that involve drug treatments and lentiviral transduction.

The lab provides an energetic, fast-paced, interactive environment for scientists working toward a great cause: http://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/research/labs/varley/

Minimum qualifications:
1. A Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or related field, plus 4 years of related experience
2. Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment
3. Knowledge of laboratory techniques, calculations, equipment, terminology, materials and substances
4. Knowledge of the molecular biology underlying PCR
5. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
6. The ability to independently gain new skills and solve problems
7. Effective communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English
8. Willingness to complete training and certification in biohazard safety

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide. Partnerships with individuals, communities, and many other entities are crucial to our work. Huntsman Cancer Institute values cancer-related health equity, and inclusion as integral to our guiding principle to serve our patients and their communities, and our commitment to foster a culture of belonging for all within our organization.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your personal and professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position.

Learn more here
Responsibilities
The Senior Lab Specialist will manage lab operations and perform experiments. This entails regular planning discussions with Dr. Varley; performing technical procedures in a research laboratory under minimal supervision; recording protocols, observations and measurements in a laboratory notebook; performing analysis of the data generated by the assays; and reporting results.

Primary responsibilities of this position include:
1. DNA, RNA and protein isolation from human tissue and blood plasma
2. Molecular biology assays including multiplexed PCR and next-generation sequencing library construction
3. Human tissue culture including cell lines and patient derived organoids, drug treatments, lentiviral transduction, and cell proliferation assays
4. General laboratory organization including specimen tracking, ordering supplies, and maintaining lab safety protocols and documentation
5. Maintaining cleanrooms and equipment
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.
Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate scientific discipline or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience), plus four years of related full-time laboratory experience required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
1. Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics or related field, plus 2 or more years of related experience
2. Prior experience with molecular assay development and trouble-shooting
3. Knowledge of mechanisms of gene regulation and epigenetics