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Research Technologist I - Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy

Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What do you know about Usher Syndrome or retinal photoreceptor degeneration?

What they are checking: Whether they have looked into the disease the lab studies and are curious about the science.

Tell me about a time your data didn't support what the lab expected.

What they are checking: Whether they report results honestly even when the data are disappointing.

How do you organize your week when you have fish care, imaging and molecular work all due?

What they are checking: Whether they can juggle daily husbandry with experiments without letting either slip.

What would you do

A tank of fish shows signs of illness. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they act quickly to protect valuable lines and report problems to the PI right away.

The PI is away for a week. How do you keep the project running?

What they are checking: Whether they can oversee daily operations on their own, which the posting expects in the PI's absence.

About the work

What experience do you have with zebrafish husbandry or other animal care?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep transgenic and mutant lines healthy, which every experiment in this project depends on.

Walk me through how you'd build an expression plasmid and use it to make a transgenic zebrafish line.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the full process from construct to stable line, a core task in this role.

How would you run a chemical compound screen so the results are fair and repeatable?

What they are checking: Whether they think about controls, blinding and consistent dosing in a therapeutic screen.

What have you done with confocal microscopy, and how do you keep imaging settings consistent?

What they are checking: Whether they know that changing settings between samples makes retinal images impossible to compare.

How do you keep records so the PI can follow your results at any time?

What they are checking: Whether their documentation is clear and current enough for others to rely on.

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The full job description

As published by Medical College of Wisconsin.

Summary This individual will be trained to conduct a screen using zebrafish to identify compounds with therapeutic potential to prevent the retinal photoreceptor degeneration associated with Usher Syndrome type 1B/ MYO7A mutations. In addition, they will conduct molecular genetic experiments to address which isoforms of Myo7A might rescue photoreceptor degeneration in a zebrafish model of USH1B. They will work under general supervision of the PI and also be responsible for general laboratory maintenance, execution of other experiments, and documentation / communication of data. Primary Responsibilities • Generate gene expression plasmids and use those to establish transgenic zebrafish lines. • Carry out zerbafish husbandry and transgenic/mutant line maintenance. • Conduct a chemical compound screen for potential therapuetics using a zebrafish model of USH1B. • Collect, document, and evaluate confocal miscroscopic retinal images as part of the USH1B compound screen. • Record and compile accurate records and communicate summaries of experimental results. • Assist with the evaluation, interpretation and assessment of experimental data. • Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data as needed. • Oversee daily project operation in the absence of the supervisor or Principle Investigator • Participate in training new lab personnel including graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Knowledge – Skills – Abilities • Knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, chemistry, mathematics, documentation, and records management. • Hands on experience with molecular / cellular biology and microscopy preferred. • Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills. • Prior experience with experimental animal models is preferred. Qualifications Appropriate experience may be substituted for education on an equivalent basis. Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Minimum Required Experience: No experience required Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of prior research experience recommended/preferred (particularly with molecular biology) 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.

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