About the Job:
The Advanced Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ARDL) is a highly complex research laboratory that
specializes in support of large multicenter clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Specific areas of
interest for faculty at ARDL include identification of novel biomarkers of healthy aging and biomarkers
for early detection and monitoring or of patients with diabetes, renal disease, Alzheimers disease
related dementias and cardiovascular disease. Laboratory support for these multi-center studies ranges
from novel biomarker development, implementation of standardized biomarker measurement, and
coordinating biospecimen collection and processing. ARDL maintains a large central biorepository of 3-4
million aliquots that supports ongoing biomarker development in all these studies.
A unique aspect of the ARDL is that it is a research laboratory that is fully accredited by CLIA/CAP and
part of UMN Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Department under the Medical School. ARDL supports
a wide variety of biomarker platforms spanning the range from genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics
to functional approaches. ARDL also utilizes mass spectrometry for accurate quantitation of molecules
and targeted multiplexed assays using this platform. Genomics technologies used include a variety of
DNA/RNA extraction platforms, quantitative real time PCR, targeted genotyping and next generation
sequencing. ARDL performs a wide range of immunoassays ranging from standard ELISAs to targeted
multiplexed immunoassays on the Ella platform. ARDL also utilizes proteomic discovery platforms such
as Olink and performs ultra-sensitive protein quantitation on the Quanterix and Alamar platforms. In addition, ARDL also performs multi-parameter flow cytometry and has a well established cell culture facility that specializes in cell cryopreservation, EBV based cell transformation, culture of iPSCs and actively developing cell differentiation protocols.
Work Arrangement:
This is one year appointment.
The position is expected to work primarily on-site. Your work location will be at the Advanced Research and Diagnostics Laboratory.
The Department retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.
Work Schedule: Primarily Mon Fri day shift. May require occasional weekend or evening shifts.
Responsibilities:
60% -Assay Development and validation work
o Works collaboratively under the direction of Dr. Thyagarajan and the Genomics
o Core supervisor to investigate, develop, validate and implement assays within the Genomics
o Core of the Advanced Research and Diagnostics Laboratory (ARDL). Examples of these assays include but are not limited to next generation sequencing based assays, long read sequencing, culturing induced pluripotent stem cells, CRISPR based experiments and other genomics assays.
o Reviews literature and participates in research efforts by investigating and evaluating new methods. Assists in organizing new method validation data, summarizing preliminary data for grant applications, preparation of data for publication and peer review, and participates in formal presentations as needed.
o Develops and prepares data analysis reports, quality assurance metrics, procedures and training checklists. Participates and oversees training of lab personnel on various assays developed in the Genomics Core.
20% - Perform testing, evaluate accuracy of data and report results or findings. Recognize problems and take appropriate measures for resolution. Determine if test results fall within expected parameters and reporting protocols. Assess the validity of the test results in relation to clinical conditions or technical factors. Knowledgeable of relevant factors which can influence test results.
20% - Responsible for documenting and monitoring quality control and quality assurance programs. Recognizes and communicates values and trends that exceed quality control decision levels and takes appropriate action to resolve.
Other duties as assigned.