Research Lab Technician II, Orthopedic Surgery

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

The Laboratory Technician II in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Wake Forest University Health Sciences will assist physician/basic scientists with both animal studies and cell culture basic science studies. Duties may include, but are not limited to, performing animal surgeries, animal husbandry, animal gait data acquisition, histological testing, histology image analysis in basic science studies, and general laboratory maintenance (supply ordering, inventory, EH&S disposal, etc). 

Under direct supervision from a higher level technician or a principal investigator, the 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.

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. Performs micro-analysis, lipids analysis, enzyme studies, and chromatographic studies on various types of tissues, secretions, and excretions.
3. Sets up equipment and organizes materials used in performing scheduled tests, experiments, and/or operations.
4. 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.
5. Isolates and identifies various microorganisms through established laboratory techniques.
6. Trains and demonstrates to graduate students, medical students, and other technical personnel, a variety of technical procedures.
7. Takes blood samples, pressures, and other specimens and measurements as required by research/clinical protocols. Inoculates research animals with various pathogens and performs minor animal surgery.
8. Collects tissues and specimens for laboratory analysis; obtains samples, prepares, mounts, and stains tissue, blood, and other substances for microscopic examinations.
9. Reviews scientific journals, abstracts, and other publications for information applicable to research projects.
10. 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 medical/laboratory 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
• Must wear protective equipment (gloves, gowns/lab coats, eye protection, face protection)
• Exposure to glass and other breakable objects
• Exposure to animals