Job Description

Job Description
A research technician position is available in the Joshi lab in the department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology at UTK (https://bcmb.utk.edu/people/amit-joshi/).

The Joshi lab (www.joshilaboratory.com) is interested in understanding molecular mechanisms of organelle biogenesis from ER membrane using budding yeast and mammalian cell culture. Formation of organelles such as peroxisomes and lipid droplets (LDs) occur at specialized regions in the ER called ER subdomains. Our research indicates a family of membrane shaping proteins, Pex30 in yeast and MCTP1 and MCTP2 in mammalian cells, are localized at the ER subdomains, where peroxisomes and LDs form. This project will involve characterization of these subdomains to identify novel proteins and lipids required for organelle biogenesis. For our research we use yeast and mammalian cell culture, confocal and super-resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, advanced image acquisition and quantitation methods as well as biochemical and molecular biology techniques. The Joshi lab is in the BCMB department (bcmb.utk.edu) at the University of Tennessee in the city of Knoxville.

Responsibilities
The purpose of this position is to assist in the research and work done in the Joshi lab. The research technician will assist in the research project. This research will entail cell culture, protein expression and purification, microscopy techniques, data collection and analysis. The research technician will also regularly perform laboratory procedures to support ongoing research projects. This includes media and reagent preparation, instrument maintenance, and other facets needed for the research done in the lab. The work also includes reporting of data, detailed record-keeping, and some administrative tasks. The candidate may be partially responsible for day-to-day supervision of undergraduate students, as well as training undergraduate and graduate students in specific laboratory techniques.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology or relevant field.
Hands-on laboratory experience in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology.
Knowledge of basic cell biology laboratory procedures, including the use of balances, pH-meters, pipettes, and knowledge of sterile technique for bacterial and/or mammalian cell culture.

General background knowledge to enable meaningful understanding of assigned tasks.

General background knowledge of scientific data analysis. Computer skills are sufficient to use basic data analysis and graphing software and learn more specialized data analysis software packages.

Good record-keeping, attention to detail, and organizational skills. Knowledge of and ability to maintain a detailed lab notebook and other lab inventories.

Awareness of and ability to follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.

Ability to communicate and collaborate well with colleagues of diverse backgrounds. Ability to contribute to a respectful and collegial work environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills

One year or more years of laboratory research experience.

Molecular biology skills and knowledge (e.g. PCR, cloning, SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis)

Background knowledge and skills in cell culture, protein expression and purification.