Laboratory Research Technician II

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a highly skilled Research Technician II to join Professor Kozai's laboratory in the Department of Bioengineering. This position is pivotal for maintaining daily operational and research functions of a cutting-edge neuroscience lab focused on neural interfaces, neurobiology, and advanced neurotechnologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory and Animal Management

• • Direct and oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring the lab environment is compliant with institutional and safety standards.
  • Maintain, monitor, and document all Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, including protocol updates and regulatory compliance.
  • Manage animal colonies, track inventory, and ensure compliance with IACUC and other ethical guidelines for animal research.
  • Coordinate with vendors and facility management for ordering supplies, managing equipment repairs, and other logistical needs.

Research Coordination and Execution

• • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support and coordinate diverse research projects focused on neurobiology, neural interface development, and bi-directional communication between neural systems and neurotechnologies.
  • Lead a research team in conducting specialized experimental procedures, including neural implant surgeries, stereotaxic procedures, and electrophysiological recordings.
  • Perform animal perfusions, tissue collection, histological processing, staining, and imaging via confocal and/or multiphoton microscopy to analyze cellular and tissue responses.
  • Execute complex procedures with minimal supervision and maintain meticulous records of experimental data.

Technical Expertise and Data Management

• • Analyze data using MATLAB or Python, applying statistical methods, signal processing, and custom analysis scripts to interpret experimental results.
  • Troubleshoot experimental and data analysis issues, optimizing experimental protocols as needed.
  • Contribute to research publications and presentations by documenting and summarizing experimental data.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related scientific field; Master's preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of 1-2 years of hands-on experience with stereotaxic animal surgery, electrophysiology, and histological techniques is required.
• Skills: Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for data analysis, advanced imaging (confocal or multiphoton), and strong problem-solving abilities. Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will possess a high degree of technical expertise and initiative, with strong organizational skills to support and advance the research mission of the Kozai lab.

Performs a variety of laboratory experiments and procedures. Prepares specimens. Oversees supply management. Operates and properly maintains equipment.

Ability to speak clearly for telephone contact, have manual dexterity to use equipment, and to walk to various locations throughout the campus.

Generally sedentary, however, this position does require incumbent to occasionally visit industry or other locations throughout the campus. May occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.