Research Professional II - Sarver Heart Center

The Research Professional II manages the laboratory's shared mouse colony of more than 40 commercially available and unique, non-commercial, investigator-derived genetically modified lines, performing all genetic colony management duties. The incumbent plans breeding strategies, performs and interprets genotyping, and maintains the colony's genotype and pedigree records to ensure that experimental cohorts are accurately constructed. The accuracy of this work directly affects the validity of experimental groups across the lab's projects.

The position also designs components of and conducts in vivo and in vitro experiments within the PI's research program, analyzes and interprets data, contributes to manuscripts, and provides backup surgical and echocardiography support for the lab's cardiac studies. Work is split between the animal facility and the bench. Routine husbandry, such as feeding and cage changes, is performed by animal facility staff, and reagent ordering and stock management are not part of this role.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Research Colony Management

• Manage investigator-derived mouse lines for the PI's research program.
• Plan and organize breeding strategies to produce the genotypes and cohort sizes required for planned experiments, adjusting them based on colony data in consultation with the PI.
• Perform, optimize, and troubleshoot genotyping assays (PCR and enzymatic methods). Interpret sequencing results to verify alleles and detect genetic drift or contamination.
• Maintain genotype and pedigree records for all colony animals, and prepare colony reports to support experimental planning.
• Administer treatments and collect biological samples in accordance with approved IACUC protocols.

Experimental Research

• Design components of in vivo and in vitro experiments within the PI's overall research design, and conduct studies that support project objectives.
• Perform molecular and biochemical analyses, including enzymatic assays, Western blotting, mitochondrial function assessment, and metabolite quantification.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and recommend solutions to methodological problems.
• Recommend and implement improvements to laboratory procedures and protocols.

Research Program Support and Collaboration

• Present findings at lab meetings and participate in the writing and research for publications and presentations.
• Draft and update standard operating procedures for review by research leadership and maintain laboratory records.
• Mentor students and support staff in laboratory techniques.

Surgical and Imaging Support

• Serve as the trained backup to the lead cardiac microsurgeon for murine myocardial infarction and ischemia/reperfusion procedures. This includes anesthesia, intubation, aseptic setup, and intraoperative support.
• Provide post-operative monitoring and recognize surgical complications.
• Acquire and analyze echocardiography data (ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and ventricular dimensions).
• Maintain surgical and imaging documentation and keep cardiac studies running when the lead surgeon is unavailable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to work with animal models

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Experience with mouse models.
• Research experience in cardiovascular biology is highly valued, particularly in cardiac regeneration and/or cardiomyocyte biology.
• Research experience in molecular biology, clinical trials, drug discovery or cardiovascular research.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment.