Researcher 1: GI Division, Liang Lab - Military Veterans

This is an entry-level position for a laboratory researcher to join the Liang Lab at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Department of Medicine. Our laboratory is dedicated to applying the CRISPR-mediated genome-editing techniques for Gene Therapy and Cancer Research. Our long-term goal is to harness the capabilities of CRISPR to develop precise and targeted genome-editing strategies tailored to the challenges of lung and liver disease. This innovative approach holds promise for unlocking new avenues in gene therapy, cancer research, and immunotherapy.

The researcher will perform research projects that focus on three main areas: (i) developing and enhancing targeting efficiencies of CRISPR, (ii) high-throughput functional analysis of cancer-related genetic mutations, and (iii) identify neoantigens related to lung cancer and liver cancer.

We employ multidisciplinary approaches, including genetic engineered mouse models, CRISPR screens, Prime editors, Protein engineering, AAVs, LNP, single-cell RNA sequencing, FACS, Immunohistochemistry, and Next generation sequence. Additional information on our research projects can be found in our recent publications, including Nature Methods, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Communications, Cancer Research, EMBO molecular medicine, & Oncogene. More information on this research can be found here .

Over time, the researcher will receive multidisciplinary training in a highly collaborative and productive academic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities
70% Assistance with laboratory experiments and procedures
Prepare LB media, distilled Water, pipette tips and agar plates
Plasmid construction and isolation
Maintains cell line cultures and Plasmid transfection
Extract and quantify DNA from cell lines or animal tissue
Prepare samples for sanger sequencing
Perform and compile data related to molecular analyses including PCR, RT-qPCR, and western blots to evaluate mouse tissues

30% Laboratory organization
Ensure the hoods and benches are cleaned in accordance with the lab protocols
Maintain laboratory organization
Assist with mouse experiments
Performs preventative maintenance and record keeping procedures
Maintains appropriate workstation materials and inventory

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications
BA/BS, preferably in Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related disciplines; or a combination of related education and experience to equal four years
Laboratory experience in basic molecular techniques, e.g., Cell culture, PCR, WB, IHC, Plasmid construction and isolation
Ability to maintain and organized documentation of records of experimental work
Good working knowledge of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, as well as fluency in computer techniques and software for experimentation and analysis
Ability to self-motivate, multitask and make intellectual contributions to multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications
Enthusiastic about science and its potential to make a difference for people
Runs RNA and protein assays with necessary troubleshooting
Demonstrates an understanding of the scientific principles of laboratory testing as well as the technical, procedural and problem-solving aspects
Assumes responsibility for good documentation practices and maintains clear and legible records