Job Description

Bethesda, MD (On-site)

Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Master's Degree in Biology or a related Biological Sciences discipline

We are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Research Specialist to support the NHLBI Transgenic Core in generating genetically engineered mouse models for cutting-edge biomedical research. This role involves hands-on laboratory and animal research, including molecular biology, cell culture, embryo manipulation, colony management, genotyping, and surgical procedures. The successful candidate will work closely with research scientists to perform complex experimental procedures while maintaining compliance with animal research regulations.

• Support the generation of genetically engineered mouse models.
• Maintain mouse colonies, including breeding, timed mating, and colony management.
• Set up mating pairs, monitor pregnancies, and collect embryos.
• Perform mouse handling, restraint, hormone administration, and injections.
• Conduct tail biopsies, genotyping, and colony record maintenance.
• Inject cells into immunocompromised mice and monitor tumor growth.
• Perform animal euthanasia, tissue collection, dissections, and organ harvesting.
• Carry out routine surgical procedures and provide perioperative animal care.
• Administer anesthesia and monitor physiological parameters during experiments.

• Collect early-stage mouse embryos (zygotes and blastocysts).
• Perform embryo microinjection using DNA, RNA, or cells.
• Conduct embryo transfer procedures into pseudopregnant foster mothers.
• Assist in establishing genetically modified animal lines.

• Extract genomic DNA and RNA.
• Perform PCR, RT-PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
• Clone DNA fragments and prepare plasmid DNA.
• Conduct in vitro transcription and related molecular biology techniques.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.

• Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines.
• Perform mammalian cell transfection.
• Culture primary cells, including human fibroblasts.
• Maintain induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines using sterile techniques.

• Prepare laboratory reagents, samples, and experimental materials.
• Perform immunohistochemistry on tissue samples.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and inventories.
• Document experimental procedures in laboratory notebooks and databases.
• Assist with data analysis, reporting, and preparation of research publications and presentations.

• Master's degree in Biology or a related Biological Sciences field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience culturing and transfecting mammalian cells.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience.
• Experience handling laboratory mice for research purposes.
• Experience performing mouse genotyping.
• Experience with PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, and gel electrophoresis.
• Experience maintaining mammalian cell cultures.
• Strong documentation and data management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience collecting and microinjecting early mouse embryos.
• Experience performing embryo transfer procedures.
• Experience with transgenic mouse production.
• Experience maintaining iPSC or primary cell cultures.
• Knowledge of immunohistochemistry techniques.
• Experience performing small animal surgical procedures.
• Familiarity with tumor xenograft studies.

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