Research Lab Technician III, Comparative Medicine

Overview

FUNCTION OF JOB

High level biomedical research involving cutting edge and traditional biomolecular analyses of human and nonhuman primate cells, tissues, and fluids, including tissue collection and processing, tissue fractionation, biomolecular purification and characterization, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses, multimodal imaging and image analysis, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal assessments, cellular purification and analysis, assessments of gene expression, and special procedures. Under general supervision, plan, develop, modify, and implement previously developed and original experimental procedures, and as necessary help develop specialized analytical procedures, and report final analyses in a research laboratory as needed.  Excellent communication and writing and analytical skills required.

CHARACTERISTIC WORK

1. Confer with principal investigator and the research team in planning, development, and implementation of research projects; develop and maintain control procedures for test standardization and QC as needed. Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
2. Carry out and develop experimental techniques for specimen and tissue analyses utilized in complex laboratory procedures (see specifics below).
3. Review scientific journals, abstracts, and other research literature to obtain or verify additional information used in the design and development of original procedures or techniques related to the research/clinical projects.
4. Maintain detailed records as necessary. Maintain and organize data and tissue resources for analysis. Analyze data and prepare reports on the results of experiments; discuss with principal investigator the interpretation of the results and prepare scientific manuscripts for publication. 
5. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

1. Extraction, purification, and characterization of DNA, RNA, and proteins from tissues and cultured cells. Quantitative analysis of mRNA / miRNA species by a variety of methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis of small molecules and proteins by RIA, ELISA, and other methodologies. 
2. Special tissue preparation and processing for localization and quantitation of protein and nucleic acid molecules of interest, including cryosectioning, paraffin embedding and sectioning, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, in situ RT-PCR, as well as other technically demanding methods. 
3. Digital image collection and processing, data compilation, maintenance of laboratory supply inventory and radioisotope records. 
4. Occasional animal training, handling, imaging, and necropsy as necessary, including careful dissection, preparation, storage, and subsequent maintenance of tissues obtained during surgeries and necropsies. Cataloging and oversight of tissue storage.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in the biological and/or physical sciences with two years' of related clinical/research experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree in biology or related physical science preferred.  

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to listen and communicate effectively
• Basic computer skills
• Knowledge of medical terminology to interact with medical staff regarding laboratory procedures and results
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and universal precautions to establish a safe work environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Research laboratory environment
• Frequent exposure to diseases, medicinal preparations and other conditions common in a lab environment
• Exposure to glass and other breakable objects
• Exposure to animals
• Must wear protective equipment (gloves, gowns/lab coats, eye protection, face protection)