POSITION OBJECTIVE

　　Working under general supervision, plan and carry out research projects in accordance with general plans to support collaborators use spatial-omic systems and other advanced microscopy instruments (e.g., light-sheet microscopy, confocal microscopy, etc.). The position will assist with the preparation of slides for our spatial multi-omic imaging systems, provide in-depth training, assist with tissue preparation for light-sheet microscopy, aid with user troubleshooting, maintain instruments, advise on image analysis, and more.

　　ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans to assist users work with the histology cores to get formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) or fresh frozen (FE) tissue slides. (10%)Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as a part of a larger project. Prepare slides for the CosMx imaging system from Nanostring, following the precise two-day protocol to prepare slides. Prepare slides for the Xenium imaging system from 10X Genomics, following the two-day protocol to prepare slides. (50%)Assist and train collaborators to prepare their tissues for light-sheet microscopy (e.g., optical clearing, whole-mount staining, etc.). Hold training sessions or tours for educational purposes. May train new staff; direct the work of students. (10%)Collect and analyze data and advise on image analysis. Analyze visualization data utilizing programs provided be respective customer companies which may involve basic Python scripting. (10%)May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures including optical clearing techniques, data visualization techniques, and quality control procedures. May assist in improving processes and techniques provided by respective companies. Assist with user troubleshooting. (10%)

　　NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Perform other duties as assigned (5%)Oversee inventory and assist with maintenance or training on microscopy instruments (5%)

　　CONTACTS

　　Department: Frequent contact with Michael Jenkins, He Liu, and other staff.

　　University: Frequent contact with principal investigators and other research personnel and faculty and staff within the School of Medicine to collaborate on complex research.  Regular contact with administrative offices and research administration within the school and the university to resolve issues.   

　　External: No frequent -- may have contact with external users of the instruments.

　　Students: Daily contact with student employees to maintain workflow, make adjustment to work, and/or establish procedures.

　　SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

　　The position will include limited supervisory responsibility. The position may supervise and train staff and users of our equipment.

　　QUALIFICATIONS

　　Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or related scientific field and 1-3 years of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 years of experience required.  Prior experience with slide preparation is preferred. Basic biology and wet lab experience is required.

　　REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

　　Common wet lab techniques (e.g., pipetting, preparing mixtures, etc.)

　　Basic biology and genetic knowledge

　　Must be extremely careful and precise.

　　Ability to understand scientific literature, experimental procedures and their limitations, and current needs of the research community.

　　Ability to problem solve effectively and demonstrate good judgement and logical decision making and ability to implement alternative solutions as needed.

　　Excellent interpersonal skills required. Must demonstrate the ability to work with individuals from various backgrounds.