Research Lab Tech 1 (Ksander)

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required and Bachelor's Degree Biology preferred

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
Yes

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment 1-2 years preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments.
- Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools.
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant I will conduct independent and collaborative research involving in vivo animal studies, molecular biology, cell culture, and histology. Administrative duties will include maintenance of laboratory inventories (chemical, drug, biological materials), assistance with mouse colony management (breeding, genotyping, etc), purchasing laboratory supplies, overseeing maintenance of laboratory equipment, and attendance of monthly Technical Staff meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, conducts collaborative and independent research requiring animal surgery, molecular biology, cell culture, and histology. Assists Postdoctoral Fellows with experiments as directed by the Principal Investigator. This may include assistance with animal procedures (surgeries, imaging, functional studies, measuring intraocular pressures, tissue collection), processing tissue for post procedure analysis, immunofluorescence, RGC and axon analysis, western blot, and qPCR. Maintains accurate records of research findings and results in a detailed up-to-date laboratory notebook. Participates in weekly laboratory meetings and presents findings (schedule determined by the Principal Investigator). Completes appropriate training for each research project. Adheres to all Institute policies and procedures, attends annual training sessions, and stays current in safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of bio-hazardous, infectious, or toxic substances. Completes animal training as required and stays up to date with all new animal protocols and procedures. Assists Principal Investigator with the preparation of and submission of animal protocols to the IACUC. Oversees the management of the mouse colony and maintains detailed records, ensuring all lines are breeding well and animal numbers match the needs of ongoing studies. Maintains laboratory inventories for chemical, animal, drug, and biological materials. Performs ordering for the laboratory, completing the necessary training, and creating and managing purchase orders. Attends monthly Tech Staff Meetings and brings back important updates. Attends seminars and symposiums as opportunities arise, when not interfering with experiments. Performs other laboratory related functions as required or directed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 1 year of laboratory research experience strongly preferred. Knowledge of animal handling is preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of medical terminology is helpful. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Well organized and detail oriented. Ability to multitask

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work will primarily take place in a research laboratory setting, as well as within the Animal Facility. Job may require exposure to bio-hazardous or toxic substances, as well as Blood Borne Pathogens.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires alertness and manual dexterity.

HIPAA Privacy Training and Sanctions

All employees who have access to health information whose confidentiality is protected by the HIPAA Privacy Rule are required by the Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities and of the group health plan's policies and procedures that impact on their job duties. Training on the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the plan's health information policies and procedures under the direction of the institution's privacy officer is a pre-requisite for this position.

Employees who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

This description is intended to indicate essential tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct, or control the work of staff members under their supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned but that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.