Research Technician - Department of Microbiology - College of Arts and Sciences

This Position is Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Market Range 07

Position Summary:

The Department of Microbiology seeks a Research Technician who will perform research experiments, collect, and analyze data with the PI in accordance with the general plans of the laboratory. This position will require the researcher to maintain a detailed laboratory notebook that documents the experimental plan, the methodology, and the results. This person will also assist with routine lab maintenance and lab management, including ensuring there are adequate supplies and that lab duties are performed.

Job Duties:

Research:

* Lead, plan and carry out projects in accordance with general lab plans.

* Collect, analyze data, and create reports on activities to present at lab meetings, and in reports to funding agencies

* Train students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff in techniques, data analysis, and utilization of equipment

* Maintain safety manuals and protocols. Enforce occupational and environmental safety rules.

* Evaluate research protocols and make changes where necessary in consultation with PI

* Organizing and maintaining lab space, equipment, and databases

* Maintain laboratory records by keeping clear and organized notebooks, documenting procedures, and recording data.

Facility and personnel management:

* Coordinate undergraduate student workers as they perform laboratory duties.

* Maintain lab inventory and replenish supplies as necessary.

* Maintain chemical inventory. Perform general lab housekeeping and autoclaving biological waste as needed.

* Monitor supply inventory and order as needed.

* Help to maintain accurate training logs for laboratory members.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Must have knowledge of basic biology and microbiology.

* Must be familiar using computers to analyze data and in reading scientific literature. Techniques need may include, but are not limited to:

o Bacterial culturing (aerobic and anaerobic)

o Molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR)

o Light and fluorescence microscopy

o Perform skin and soft tissue infections in mice and harvesting and processing of tissue for downstream analyses

* Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, chemistry, or related discipline

* Excellent communication skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships and address the potential and current needs of the laboratory. Ability to work effectively independently but also collaboratively within a team. Ability to interact face to face with colleagues and supervisors

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Previous bioinformatic experience is desired.

* Molecular biology experience and proficiency is preferred, particularly experience with genetic manipulation of bacteria