The Byrne Lab (https://www.byrnelab.science/join) within the Ophthalmology Department in the University of Pittsburgh, develops gene therapies for retinal disease, including a diverse group of blinding disorders that have a profound impact on the quality of life of patients. There are currently no effective treatments for most forms of inherited retinal degeneration. However, gene therapy, in which therapeutic genetic material is transferred to cells, is a highly promising approach to treating retinal disease. The Byrne lab is exploring gene augmentation, optogenetics, and genome editing approaches to treat inherited and age-related forms of blindness. The lab is located in the newly opened Mercy Pavilion, in uptown Pittsburgh.
Oversees unit and operational development, implementation of technologies, and fiscal operations. Manages customer service delivery goals, resources, and equipment. Ensures compliance of unit.
Oversees unit and operational development, implementation of technologies, and fiscal operations. Manages customer service delivery goals, resources, and equipment. Ensures compliance of unit.
The Byrne Lab at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is recruiting an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and dedicated individual to join our team as a full-time Assistant Director of Animal Care Operations to oversee the unit of the lab conducting mouse animal research. Duties will include leading initiatives and development of overall unit and ensuring work adheres to all applicable governmental, regulatory guidelines, and University accreditations. Supervises operational development of program, including creation of short and long-term goals; analyzation of program and procedures; development of program changes and enhancements; implementation of new programs and procedures, and ensuring staff operate in compliance with all standards. Tasks involve animal husbandry including the breeding, handling, and care of mice, gene therapy administration, imaging, genotyping and immunohistochemistry.
A bachelor’s degree in biology, or a similarly related scientific field, as well as 5 years of prior experience with mouse research is required. Experience with any of the following skills is highly desired: performing injections into mouse eyes, electroretinography (ERG), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and immunohistochemistry. Specific experience in eye research is preferred but not required. All applicants should be highly motivated and able to work independently, have excellent organizational, record-keeping, and managerial skills, and adhere to the highest standards of animal care and research integrity.