Under the direction of the Transplant Director of Research, this position supports the Principle Investigators (PIs) and Research Associates in conducting clinical, molecular biology, or genomic research on epigenetics in ischemia reperfusion injury, liver donor quality and mechanistic study, mechanistic studies in liver cancer, and maintenance of kidney biorepository collections and samples.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Runs quality control for reagents, keeps track of and processes samples, isolates nucleic acids and proteins and performs associated quality control.
Isolates extracellular micro-vesicles. Performs RT and QPCR reactions and data analyses. Performs hands-on-bench laboratory activities.
Works with live tissue, bodily fluids, and cell cultures, along with raw and isolated DNA/RNA samples. Analyzes samples using PCR, microarrays, and assays.
Maintains sample collections and labeling.
Uses various analyses (Expressions Console, IPA, and MiScript PCR Analysis).
Supports author or publishes one to three papers per year.
Provides laboratory administrative support to PIs.
Oversees general lab maintenance and upkeep. Ensures laboratory supplies are available.
Operates and maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring clean working order such as performing instrumentation standardization.
Ensures adherence to applicable UTHSC, and governmental guidelines for the safe use and handling of toxic substances, radioactive material, dangerous chemicals and equipment.
Oversees student projects.
Trains, mentors, and provides guidance to staff, students, and residents on an on-going basis.
Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to work with little to no supervision.
Ability to multi-task.
Skill and ability to communicate effectively in person, on the telephone, and in writing with diverse people.
Knowledge of IRIS system and Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Power Point, Excel.