Position Description:

Position Purpose

A student worker opportunity is available in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy in the lab of Dr. Brian Lin to study the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of cation channel blockers to treat heart disease, with a focus on dystrophic cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We use a variety of mouse models and human stem cell models in vitro to study treatments for DMD. We apply biophysical measurements of individual cardiac muscle cell contraction and ion transients to determine underlying mechanisms of disease and identify new therapies.

We welcome motivated, and organized candidates who can work independently in a basic research laboratory setting. Ideal candidates will receive training in any combination of the following: cardiac physiology, animal modeling, stem cell engineering, molecular biology techniques (e.g. qPCR and Western blotting), or single cardiomyocyte biophysics. Our lab ethos is that anyone can learn, and we will provide appropriate training to further develop the skillsets of trainees.

Primary Functions

• Measure contractile and ion transient kinetics of individual cardiac cells

• Detect gene expression and protein expression using traditional biomolecular methods (qPCR and Western blotting)

• Determine signaling pathways using gene set enrichment or Ingenuity pathway analysis of transcriptomic data sets

• Proficient in scientific data management and analysis platforms (e.g. GraphPad Prism)

• Participate in collaborations and communication with the principal investigators and fellow scientists

• Participate in regular one-on-one and lab meetings with principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, evaluate lab procedures

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Applicants should have willingness to learn common lab techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting, and cell culture.

Applicants must be highly self-motivated and possess the ability to think and work independently. Strong scientific communication skills, open to learning new science, and scientific integrity are required.

Preferred Schedule:
Variable

Position Requirements:

Minimum Required Education: Current High School Student or recent graduate

Minimum Required Experience: No experience required.

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 a diverse 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.

.