| Location | Shreveport, LA |
The Research Technician will provide technical and operational support for a cardiovascular research laboratory focused primarily on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis and vascular disease. The position will have a major emphasis on histology, tissue processing, immunostaining, and analysis of tissues collected from experimental mouse models of atherosclerosis. The technician will also perform routine genotyping and provide general experimental and laboratory support to students, postdoctoral fellows, and other research personnel. The individual in this position is expected to become highly proficient in the laboratory's established histological and immunostaining workflows, maintain careful organization of tissue specimens and associated records, generate consistently high-quality samples for quantitative analysis, and work collaboratively with laboratory members to support multiple ongoing research projects. 60% - Histology, Tissue Processing, and Preparation for Atherosclerosis Studies Perform histological processing and preparation of tissues collected from experimental models of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Responsibilities will include receiving and organizing harvested tissues, fixation, or other tissue preparation procedures, embedding, orientation, sectioning, slide preparation, staining, and maintenance of tissue blocks and slide archives. Responsibilities will also include labeling and cataloging specimens, maintaining accurate records linking tissues and slides to experimental animals and study groups, organizing archived tissues and slides, monitoring histology supplies, preparing solutions and reagents, and maintaining equipment used for tissue embedding and sectioning. The technician will work closely with investigators and other laboratory personnel to coordinate tissue processing with ongoing animal studies and ensure that specimens are prepared appropriately for downstream histological, immunostaining, imaging, and quantitative analyses. 15% - Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, and Microscopy Perform immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining of vascular and other tissues collected during laboratory studies. Responsibilities will include preparation of tissue sections, antigen retrieval when appropriate, blocking, antibody preparation and dilution, primary and secondary antibody incubations, counterstaining, mounting, and preparation of slides for imaging. The technician will follow established protocols and assist with optimization of staining conditions when new antibodies or tissues are introduced. The technician will also assist with brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, collection of representative images, organization of image files, and preparation of samples for quantitative image analysis. Strong attention to experimental controls, consistency between samples, and staining quality will be expected. 15% - Genotyping and Support of Experimental Mouse Colonies Perform routine genotyping necessary to support mouse models used in laboratory studies. Responsibilities will include collection and organization of tissue samples for genotyping, DNA extraction, PCR preparation and amplification, gel electrophoresis or other established genotype detection methods, interpretation of results, and accurate documentation of genotypes. The technician will communicate genotyping results to laboratory members in a timely manner so that animals can be appropriately assigned to experimental studies. The technician will maintain organized genotype records and assist in troubleshooting routine genotyping issues when necessary. Additional support related to experimental mouse studies may include labeling and organization of samples collected at necropsy, preparation of materials before tissue harvests, and coordination of tissues for histological and molecular analyses. 10% - General Laboratory and Experimental Support Provide general technical assistance to the lab manager, students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and other laboratory personnel across ongoing projects. Duties may vary depending on experimental needs and may include preparation of buffers, solutions, reagents, and laboratory materials; processing and aliquoting samples; assisting during larger experimental procedures or tissue harvests; organizing samples for storage or shipment; and helping laboratory members complete routine experimental tasks. Assist with maintenance and organization of shared laboratory spaces, equipment, reagents, and supplies. Monitor commonly used materials and communicate when supplies require replenishment. Maintain clean and organized work areas and follow established procedures for biological, chemical, and sharps waste disposal.