Research Lab Technician II, Nephrology

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

Under direct supervision from a higher level technician or a principal investigator, the research lab tech II performs a variety of moderately complex and generally standardized physical, chemical, or biological tests with procedures and techniques previously outlined by established protocols and other scientific data. Provides direction and guidance to lab staff. Perform laboratory research with human patient specimens. Assist in the design and development of experiments, including development of new methodologies. Direct all aspects of the biochemical laboratory environment. Assist in the analyses and preparation of data for publications and presentations and provide support to primary investigators.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Zoology, or other related science, or high school diploma with four years of related clinical/ research experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts generally standardized chemical, physical, and biological tests on experimental/clinical materials.
2. Perform biomedical analyses required in the department, including basic science and clinical projects.
3. Perform measurements using Western blot, ELISA, and other analytical methods.
4. Assist laboratory staff with the completion of analytical procedures.
5. Oversee the laboratory environment, such as, safety procedures, record logs, ordering of supplies.
6. Learn from others how to use equipment, and complete experiments.
7. Establish and develop new methodologies for biomedical analyses.
8. Enter biomedical research data into databases and maintain the database.
9. Performs micro-analysis, lipids analysis, enzyme studies, and chromatographic studies on various types of tissues, secretions, and excretions.
10. Sets up equipment and organizes materials used in performing scheduled tests, experiments, and/or operations.
11. Selects the appropriate experimental/clinical format from established standard formats and prepares simple charts, graphs, and reports from data obtained during research experiments and observations of research subjects.
12. Isolates and identifies various microorganisms through established laboratory techniques.
13. Trains and demonstrates to graduate students, medical students, and other technical personnel, a variety of technical procedures.
14. Takes blood samples, pressures, and other specimens and measurements as required by research/clinical protocols.
15. Collects tissues and specimens for laboratory analysis; obtains samples, prepares, mounts, and stains tissue, blood, and other substances for microscopic examinations.
16. Reviews scientific journals, abstracts, and other publications for information applicable to research projects.
17. Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

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 basic science equipment and instruments, such as PCR, RT-PCR, plate reader, and Western blot.
• 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
• Must wear protective equipment (gloves, gowns/lab coats, eye protection, face protection)
• Exposure to glass and other breakable objects
• Exposure to animals