Laboratory Research Technician III

The Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Division is made of up approximately 70 clinical staff and over 100 research staff who work in a variety of locations including: Bridgeside Point, Biomedical Science Tower (BST), UPMC Hospitals including Presbyterian, Shadyside, East, Jameson and Mercy. The division provides world class services across 10 inpatient services at five hospitals and over 70,000 outpatient office visits. We have a major research mission that focuses on basic, clinical, and translational research on the lung, microbiome, COVID-19, sleep medicine, and allergy and immunology.

The Rizzo laboratory is hiring a laboratory technician at the Tech III level. Dr. Alicia Rizzo is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. The goal of the laboratory is to determine the mechanisms by which the glycocalyx, a layer of sugar molecules that lines both the airways and the blood vessels of the lung, mediates the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis, and to develop treatments for these conditions. Current projects include 1) a mechanistic study of the role of the glycocalyx in supporting pulmonary surfactant, 2) a clinical study of the impact of glycocalyx degradation on physiology and patient outcomes in ARDS, and 3) optimization of a rapid assay to measure circulating glycocalyx fragments in sepsis.

The Rizzo laboratory technician’s duties will include performing in vitro assays (ELISAs, western blots, cell culture, molecular assays), in vivo (mouse) experiments, and processing airspace fluid samples we collect from ICU patients. They will also be responsible for maintaining highly organized experimental records, performing data analysis, and presenting experimental results at laboratory meetings. They will also work closely with Dr. Rizzo to create figures for publications and grant proposals.

The Rizzo laboratory is funded by the NIH/NHLBI and the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Rizzo highly values diversity in biomedical sciences and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply for this position.

Performs a variety of independent laboratory work and experiments such as determining experimental protocols and preparation of specimens and cultures. Prepares reports of findings subsequent to compilation and analyzation. Oversees specimen inventory. Develops documentation for publication; crafts manuscripts and grant proposals.

Performs a variety of independent laboratory work and experiments such as determining experimental protocols and preparation of specimens and cultures. Prepares reports of findings subsequent to compilation and analyzation. Oversees specimen inventory. Develops documentation for publication; crafts manuscripts and grant proposals.

Perform a variety of laboratory experiments, including cell culture, in vitro assays and molecular techniques, and mouse work, including microsurgical procedures.

Analyzes data and prepares graphs, tables, and charts to document experimental results using common statistical programs including Excel, GraphPad Prism, and R.

Keeps detailed, accurate, and timely data and logbooks. Organizes and documents results.

Maintains, calibrates, cleans, and tests laboratory equipment for sterility.

Perform a variety of laboratory experiments, including cell culture, in vitro assays and molecular techniques, and mouse work, including microsurgical procedures.

Analyzes data and prepares graphs, tables, and charts to document experimental results using common statistical programs including Excel, GraphPad Prism, and R.

Keeps detailed, accurate, and timely data and logbooks. Organizes and documents results.

Maintains, calibrates, cleans, and tests laboratory equipment for sterility.

Must be able to sit/stand for up to 8 hours. Lifting boxes with supplies (up to ~10lbs).

Must be able to sit/stand for up to 8 hours. Lifting boxes with supplies (up to ~10lbs).

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.