OPPORTUNITIES
First, look at our values and our expectations.
Fall 2024: Research Technician / Lab Manager
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with experience in an academic research lab. The incumbent will provide research support related to the study of bunyaviruses including Rift Valley fever virus. Position will involve in vitro work as well as manipulations and procedures on small animals (rat/mice) and potentially other species in a biosafety level 2 and 3 (BLS2/BSL3) environment. Routine procedures include but are not limited to performing advanced biochemical and molecular virology techniques such as cell infection, virus titration, RNA extraction, flow cytometry, cell sorting, preparation of samples for next generation sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR, purification of proteins, isolation of primary cells and tissues, maintaining a diverse array of primary and established tissue culture lines. The individual must be able to independently design and troubleshoot experiments, quickly and reliably perform a myriad of biologic, virologic and immunologic assays, work hands-on with rodents and possibly other species including performance of intraperitoneal, intradermal, retroorbital, and foot pad injections, phlebotomy and necropsy. The successful candidate is expected to serve as a leader and consultant to members of the laboratory and to collaborators in conducting scientific research related to the interaction of bunyaviruses. Collaborate on the conceptual design of projects; determine details of experimental process and data analysis methodology of laboratory projects. Design, develop and test experimental protocols for bunyavirus-related research. Function as an active collaborator, as requested by the laboratory principal investigator. Participate in writing of research grants, papers, and manuscripts. Teach and mentor other laboratory members new skills based on specialized expertise. Interact with laboratory members and collaborators in supervising and explaining new procedures and concepts. Engage in problem solving discussions involving the incumbent’s specialized expertise. Must maintain the ability to perform at consistently high levels when unanticipated increases in work load occur. Experience working with rodents is preferred. This position requires successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulations as well as a Suitability Assessment for work with Tier I pathogens. This position is eligible for an RBL Premium Payment.
Lab Manager job duties also include: Managing day-to-day lab operations, supply ordering and follow up, lab organization (physical and electronic organization), oversight of technicians and students (i.e. scheduling checks, training on experimental techniques etc), triage problems (equipment, etc), overall animal study coordination, oversight of lab budgets including animal purchase and per diem costs, keep CV, OS, biosketch up to date, website updates.
Safety is paramount
IMPORTANT INFO FOR ALL INTERESTED:
Candidates for all positions will need to pass Department of Justice (DoJ) clearance and the University of Pittsburgh’s Tier 1 Select Agent Suitability Assessment. All candidates will be required to work in BSL-3/ABSL-3 laboratory environments and will undergo a rigorous biosafety and biosecurity training program administered through Pitt’s EHS department. This process takes several months.
Qualifications:
Because of the biosafety and biosecurity issues regarding our work, we are not an entry-level laboratory. Students and staff applying for our positions must have some level of basic lab experience. No previous experience with virology or BSL-3 containment is required (we will teach you everything you need to know regarding these aspects!). However, cell culture or molecular biology experience is necessary. Experience handling rodents is not required but is a definite plus. What is required is a willingness to learn how to work with rodents and other animals (or their tissues). Critical aspects of our work require a high attention to detail, careful documentation, and adherence to safety rules and regulations. We also need team players since much of our work is done in teams.
For incoming MS students starting in the fall of 2025:
Email your CV and a statement of research interests to me. We can take at most 1 MS student per year.
For PhD students from IDM interested in a rotation during the 2024-2025 academic year:
Please email me to discuss rotation opportunities.
POST-DOC OPPORTUNITIES:
The Hartman lab is seeking motivated post-doctoral scholars with an interest in the pathogenesis of arboviruses. Interested candidates should email a CV and cover letter.
UNDERGRADUATES:
Right now, I do not have an opening for an undergraduate student.