Research Lab Manager

This position has an initial appointment of 1 year, with the possibility of renewal.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The Renal Nanotechnology Laboratory is newly established within the FoMD at University of Alberta coincident with the recruitment of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Fissell. The position reports to Dr. Fissell and has no direct reports itself. The successful applicant will both oversee the day-to-day operations of the Renal Nanotechnology Laboratory and conduct specific experiments, generally in cell culture and molecular biology.

• Day-to-day oversight of the laboratory 
  • Maintain par levels of supplies 
  • Continuously maintain and update laboratory safety procedures and records (e.g. MSDS, hazardous waste disposal, infection control) in accordance with University of Alberta guidelines and regulations 
  • Schedule group meetings 
  • Develop onboarding procedures for students and new hires 
• Establish and maintain cell culture infrastructure 
• Perform culture of mammalian cells 
• Assess phenotypes of cultured cells 
• HPLC method development and measurement

The Renal Nanotechnology Laboratory has relocated from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee to University of Alberta, Edmonton. The laboratory is in its 25th year of operation and is focused on developing technologies for treatment of kidney failure. 

The laboratory has two broad areas on investigation at present: 

1. Improving quantitative fidelity between cultured renal tubule cells and their in-vivo counterparts. Artificial culture leads to erosion of the phenotypic features of a functional renal tubule cell, including transporter expression, ultrastructure, and mitochondrial function. We are studying the combined effects of published cell culture protocols and scaffold mechanics on longevity and function of culture tubule cells. 

2. Molecules that are excreted by the kidney and accumulate in kidney failure are known as uremic toxins. Despite progress in management of kidney failure by dialysis, patients with chronic kidney failure suffer a significant burden of illness and excess mortality. Not all uremic toxins are excreted by dialysis to the same extent. We are investigating strategies to improve removal of so-called protein-bound uremic toxins, a class of molecule that is removed poorly by conventional dialysis.

The responsive candidate shall hold a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Candidates with Master’s degrees in Biology or a related field may be given priority if all other skills are equal. 

The successful candidate must have mastered epithelial cell culture: 

• Thawing stocks of cells 
• Freezing stocks of cells 
• Seeding cells onto a variety of scaffolds and substrates 
• Monitoring cell growth and health 
• Passaging cells

The successful candidate must have mastered the basic techniques of molecular biology: 

• Isolating RNA and protein from cells 
• PCR 
• Western blotting 
• ELISA 
• RNASeq submission

The successful candidate must have mastered the basic procedures of immunohistochemistry: 

• Fixing cells 
• Primary and secondary antibody staining 
• Preparation of controls 
• Indirect immunofluorescent microscopy

The outstanding candidate will also have experience with: 

• C18 RP-HPLC 
• Size-exclusion chromatography 
• Confocal microscopy 
• Superresolution microscopy techniques 

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your curriculum vitae, cover letter, and list of publications.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $65,369 to $89,895.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.