Summary 

The applicant will join the Miesfeld laboratory at the Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute and perform research tasks under the guidance of Dr. Joel B. Miesfeld. The research performed in the Miesfeld lab explores the gene regulatory mechanisms controlling retinal development, disease and regeneration, with an emphasis on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the pathogenic target in Glaucoma and conduit connecting the eye to the brain. The laboratory combines a variety of techniques (biochemistry, histochemistry, molecular biology, microscopy, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, etc.) and model systems (mouse, zebrafish, tissue culture) to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for retinal homeostasis. As a member of the Miesfeld lab the applicant will assist research staff in the everyday running of the lab and provide research support to further our understanding of eye development, disease, and vision loss prevention.

Primary Responsibilities  

• Assist in the breeding and PCR genotyping of mutant/transgenic mice and zebrafish.

• Conduct molecular biology work, including plasmid tool assembly via cloning.

• Collect and process tissue for bio- and histochemical analysis and subsequent data collection (microscopy, protein detection, high-throughput DNA/RNA sequencing).

• Carry out routine laboratory duties, including the washing and sterilizing of glassware and equipment, disposal of laboratory waste, ordering and inventory of laboratory supplies, and coordinating shipping of materials to and from research collaborators.

• Maintain complete, accurate records and summaries of all experimental results and data generated.

• Assist with the evaluation, interpretation and assessment of experimental data and quality control assays.

• Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff.

• Complete all necessary formal training requirements (e.g. health and safety training) promptly.

• Oversee the training of other lab personnel

• Other duties assigned

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities 

• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, documentation, and records management.  

• Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills.  

Qualifications 

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education an on equivalent basis.

Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree 

Minimum Required Experience: 1 year of mouse experience, which includes handling, colony management, tissue collection, and genotyping. Mouse experience can be substituted for zebrafish experience. Standard molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning and PCR. Making of standard stock solutions and dilutions. 

Preferred Experience: Mouse and zebrafish handling/colony management experience which includes tissue collection for genotyping. Zebrafish microinjection and tissue collection. Mouse tissue collection. Cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry. Microscopy (confocal or widefield). Image processing. Microdissection techniques.  

Physical Requirements 

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously. 

Work Environment 

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment. 

Sensory Acuity 

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects. 

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring – Collaborative – Curiosity – Inclusive – Integrity – Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.