Research Technician II

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Position Description:

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a Research Technician II. The Dibra Lab studies immune evasion in immunotherapy-resistant cancers, with a focus on how TP53 alterations in breast and liver tumors disrupt immune surveillance and promote tumor persistence. A central strength of the lab is the development and use of novel, genetically engineered mouse models generated in-house, enabling us to interrogate tumor–immune interactions in physiologically relevant settings. We integrate these models with cutting-edge single-cell, spatial, and immunopeptidomic approaches to define how oncogenic p53 reshapes the tumor–immune microenvironment and drives resistance to T cell–based therapies. Our goal is to translate these mechanistic insights into rational, immune-based combination strategies for p53-mutant cancers.

The candidate will independently execute in vivo and in vitro experiments, analyze and interpret data, generate publication-quality figures, and maintain mouse colonies and associated databases. Core responsibilities include working with murine cancer models; performing cell isolation and immune cell handling; and applying molecular and cellular techniques such as genotyping, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, Western blotting, and tissue culture.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with demonstrated strength in mouse husbandry and in vivo experimentation, along with a strong foundation in genetics and immune biology. Candidates must also possess computational proficiency for data analysis and be capable of working across experimental and analytical domains. The ideal candidate will show initiative, work efficiently with minimal supervision, and demonstrate the ability to adopt and implement new technologies quickly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments including cell separation, experiments requiring molecular and cellular as well as sterile techniques, or flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, RNA and protein.

• Complex animal management tasks (e.g. mouse colony maintenance, breeding activities, IP and IV injections, animal euthanasia, mouse genotyping, organ procurement for analysis).

• Conduct experiments involving cancer mouse models.

• Collate and analyze experimental data in a timely manner.

• Make graphics maintain databases.

• Perform various in vitro tasks and assays (e.g. cell culture based, flow cytometry, sample preparation for spatial analysis and microbiome analysis) from cell culture, mouse tissue, and human (patient) tissue.

• Prepare materials and equipment necessary for laboratory tests.

• Perform general lab duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of laboratory experience, prior experience with immunology, strong ability in complex animal work.

• Genetics/ immunological/ and/or computation background strongly preferred.

• PhD degree preferred.

Competencies

• Analytical- evaluating data and other information with the ability to choose the best solution and make recommendations.

• Service Excellence – responsive, informs constituents of process, pleasant to work with, educates and provides timely, accurate information.

• Organized – manages time effectively, keeps tasks appropriately prioritized.

• Critical Thinking – ability to think through issues and identify appropriate options.

• Work Ethic – motivated, diligent, industrious and persistent in the workplace, stays on tasks to completion, works at a fast pace to ensure optimal efficiency.

• Interpersonal – can build effective, strong working relationships with employees, colleagues, management and vendors through trust, communication, and credibility.

• Teamwork – ability to work with others, serve others, help others, lead others, mentor others, take directions from others in the interest of moving process and programs forward to the desired outcome.

• Microsoft Office Suite – intermediate to advanced.

• Organized

• Use of Microsoft Word and Excel

• Proficient in use of computers

• Sterile technique/cell culture experience

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.

Consistent with applicable law, demographic information is collected for aggregate reporting requirements. Demographic information provided through this application is not available to hiring managers/committees and is not considered in hiring or employment decisions.

Assistance and Accommodations

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 2315 South First Street Walk, Room 02C - Louisville, Kentucky 40292.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at employment@louisville.edu or by phone 502-852-6258.