Junior Specialist

About the Role

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is seeking a Junior Specialist to join the Laboratory for Musculoskeletal Crosstalk, led by Dr. Kelsey Collins. The Collins Lab leverages interdisciplinary approaches in bioengineering, endocrinology, and physiology to determine the molecular mechanisms of tissue crosstalk in osteoarthritis.

Key Responsibilities

• Support molecular, cellular, and tissue biology activities.
• Participate in induced pluripotent stem cell culture, cell line editing, histology, and animal husbandry.
• Independently perform more complex biological analyses using new and established approaches.
• Support the development of new protocols.
• Support the application of spatial transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to musculoskeletal and adipose tissues.
• Contribute to an independent project.
• Work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Perform animal handling.
• Maintain record keeping and data management.
• Communicate with laboratory and Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) staff.
• Perform molecular analyses of genotype.
• Interpret data.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Strong molecular biology skills.
• Cell culture expertise.
• Primary cell culture experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Analytical and judgment skills to conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-based environment.

Qualifications

• Possess (or be in the process of obtaining) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in bioengineering, stem cell or molecular biology, immunology, or a related field, or have at least four years of research experience.
• Degree requirement must be obtained by the time of hire.
• Applicants’ materials must list current and/or pending qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in or experience with mouse models or stem cells.
• Experience with histology and immunohistochemistry.
• Orthopaedic research experience.
• Coursework in statistics.
• Interest in conducting pain and behavioral testing in rodents.

Other Information

• Appointees in the Specialist series are expected to engage in specialized research and professional activities and do not have teaching responsibilities.
• Specialists are expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions and may participate in University and public service.
• Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and training. Estimated range: $57,000 - $60,700.

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)