Position: Research Support Specialist (Confocal Imaging Facility)
Location: National Institute on Aging
Street: 251 Bayview Blvd., Bldg.: BRC, Room: 9C211
City: Baltimore
State & Zip: MD 22114
Weekly Hours: 30-40 hours per week (Full-Time)
Total No. of Hours: 40 hours
Overall Position Summary and Objectives: Provide support services to meet the operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The primary role is to offer research services and deliverables for the Confocal Imaging Facility core of the NIA Intramural Research Program (IRP).
Minimum Education:
- Master’s degree in Biology or a related discipline.
Certifications & Licenses:
- Master's degree in Biology or a related discipline.
Skills (Ranked by Priority):
- Strong Communication Skills: Both oral and written.
- Proficiency in Confocal Light Microscopy.4 years of demonstrated experience in biological research settings, including classic embedding and sample preparation techniques such as ultramicrotomy for electron microscopy.
- Experience with cryo-fixation preparation techniques for cryo-electron microscopy is a plus.
- Experience Using Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEMs) or Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs): 2-5 years of experience required.
- Experience with Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscopy or other volumetric electron microscopy techniques is a plus.
- Familiarity with Automated Imaging Systems using either light or electron microscopes in a biological research laboratory.
- Experience with Digital Imaging of Biological Systems using Light Microscopy.Familiarity with workflow using 3D reconstruction software.
Software:
- MS Office Suite
- FIJI-Image J
- Zeiss Zen
Field of Study:
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Assistance:
- Provide technical expertise needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life, including their origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
- Identify, classify, and study the structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
- Proficiency in Confocal Microscopy image acquisition and analysis.
- Proficiency in immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques.
- Functional knowledge of super-resolution microscopy techniques.
Laboratory Experiments:
- Assist with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures.
- Sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including fixation, resin embedding, ultrathin sectioning, post-staining, immunogold labeling, and negative staining.
- Preparation of solutions and chemicals.
- Troubleshooting and optimizing laboratory protocols and instrumentation.
- Provide user training and support.
Lab Maintenance:
- Prepare, organize, and maintain various lab samples, supplies, and equipment.
- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples.
- Analyze laboratory findings.
- Ensure the laboratory is clean and organized.
Data Management:
- Use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
- Interpret and record research or operational data.
Research Support:
- Support the research goals of the laboratory by conducting wet-lab experiments.
- Work with staff on various experiments and procedures.
- Harvest and collect mouse embryos, tissues, and organs.
- Perform histological techniques, including tissue or whole-mount in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.
- Conduct molecular biological analyses.
- Provide technical assistance to laboratory members.
- Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, and experimental records.
- Support ordering reagents and equipment required for the laboratory.
PriceSenz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.