My tasks as a cell culture technician involve generating stock, expanding, and maintaining current cell lines including RCCD1 Wt, RCCD1 AQP2, MPKCCD14, MIOM1, Swan 71, endothelial cells, VERO, HCT8, and any new lines that may be incorporated. I prepare the necessary solutions for the overall operation of the area and cell culture media, according to the requirements of each laboratory, sterilizing the materials. I monitor the gas levels in N2 and CO2 tanks. I regularly clean incubators and laminar flow hoods. I also provide technical assistance to users on methods of passaging and maintaining cell lines.
I manage the inventory of supplies such as drugs, culture media supplements, disposable materials, and request budget quotes from suppliers. When needed, I contact technical services for laminar flow hoods and incubators. In addition to creating procedural manuals for users, I train new users in protocols that ensure their safety, rules of conduct to prevent contaminations, and proper utilization of equipment.
I manage the inventory of supplies such as drugs, culture media supplements, disposable materials, and request budget quotes from suppliers. When needed, I contact technical services for laminar flow hoods and incubators. In addition to creating procedural manuals for users, I train new users in protocols that ensure their safety, rules of conduct to prevent contaminations, and proper utilization of equipment.
Among my duties as a bioterista in the Institute’s mouse colony, I perform routine maintenance of the animals, record births, conduct sexing, weaning, and numbering. I prepare and administer nutritional supplements and collect samples for processing. I notify the responsible researchers about the animals’ condition and also administer healing and/or palliative treatments or perform euthanasia with the investigator’s consent. I alert the purchasing manager before any supplies run out. I collaborate on procedures associated with research projects. I train and educate institution personnel in the handling of small rodents. I clean and disinfect cages, grids, feeding bottles, tips, etc., maintaining order and cleanliness in workspaces, following established safety and biosecurity standards.
I conduct electrophysiological recordings in the context of research lines at the Institute. This involves crafting recording electrodes and applying electrical and light stimulation in conjunction with implantable micromanipulators. The experimentation ranges from preparing solutions for electrophysiological recordings to performing dissections, cutting nervous tissue for in vitro recordings, and conducting stereotactic surgeries in rodents for electrode and micromanipulator implantation for chronic recordings. Files containing electrophysiological information are stored, converted, and processed. Additionally, I provide support at electrophysiological recording stations and collaborate in the selection and procurement of supplies and equipment, as well as interacting with technical services.
I am responsible for the operation of an Olympus FV1000 confocal microscope with spectral detection system and lasers at 405, 473, 559, and 635 nm wavelengths. I capture images, perform z-stack acquisitions, and utilize other applications available on the equipment for various types of biological samples. I ensure the proper care of the equipment, oversee its functioning, and manage the procurement of supplies, accessories, and spare parts. As the microscope is part of the National Microscopy System, I provide technical assistance and guidance not only to Institute users but also to external individuals, managing usage requests (taking into account each user’s profile) and handling billing information for scheduled sessions.
As a Biotechnology technician, I perform tasks in the field of molecular biology such as genotyping through PCR, extraction of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, plasmid DNA, and small RNAs) for subsequent use in enzyme digestions, PCRs, and bacterial transformation. I also conduct quantitative determination through agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis, UV spectrophotometry, and the use of equipment like Q-BIT and nanoDROP. I perform protein extraction and quantification using Bradford, Biuret, UV quantification, and analysis on SDS-PAGE and native gels. I utilize techniques such as ELISA and Western Blot. I purify proteins using chromatographic columns, handle and maintain AKTA Purifier and Explorer equipment with UNICORN software, using both pre-packed and preparative-scale columns
As a bioterista, I handle inbred and genetically modified mice. I use data recording, tabulation, and analysis systems commonly employed in production and maintenance. I conduct health and nutritional checks in colonies, recognizing and addressing common pathologies that may affect rodents, including the administration of chemical reagents (antibiotics, dewormers, and other drugs). I employ various techniques for substance inoculation in animals, which I teach to Bioterium users. I also extract and collect biological samples from animals, using different extraction techniques as per the protocol and experimental model. I contribute to the drafting, development, and validation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) used at the Institute.
My tasks also encompass euthanasia and necropsy in rodents, as well as CO2 chamber management. In addition to maintaining the macro and microenvironment of the animals according to specific requirements, I oversee stock control of supplies, manage procurement, and document information requested by the Institutional Committee for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (CICUAL).
My tasks also encompass euthanasia and necropsy in rodents, as well as CO2 chamber management. In addition to maintaining the macro and microenvironment of the animals according to specific requirements, I oversee stock control of supplies, manage procurement, and document information requested by the Institutional Committee for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (CICUAL).
As a bioterista in the Institute’s mouse colony, my tasks include performing routine animal maintenance, recording births, conducting sexing, weaning, and numbering. I prepare and administer nutritional supplements and collect samples for processing. I provide updates on the animals’ condition to the responsible researchers and also administer healing and/or palliative treatments, or perform euthanasia with the investigator’s consent. I notify the procurement manager in advance of any supply shortages. I collaborate on procedures associated with research projects. I train and educate institution personnel in the handling of small rodents. I clean and disinfect cages, grids, feeding bottles, tips, etc., while maintaining order and cleanliness in workspaces, following established safety and biosecurity standards.
