Research Specialist - Journey

The primary purpose of the job is to assist in the management of a scientific research laboratory. This level of management includes planning, prioritizing, scheduling, conducting, and analyzing various experiments in a wide variety of research projects. Additionally, the position compiles and evaluates data and participates in the preparation of extramural grant applications and written and oral research reports. The position also supervises research activities and participates in the training of undergraduate and graduate students and other research technicians, tests and optimizes new research procedures, evaluates and oversees managerial strategies for laboratory personnel, conducts literature reviews, and evaluates this information to establish new techniques and to gather new theoretical information to advance our research effort, and manages repair and acquisition of research equipment and material.

70%
The technician accurately and efficiently performs research based on experimental designs provided by the supervisor and makes all calculations and conducts all planning necessary for the successful completion of the experiment. In many cases, independently constructs and executes experimental designs based on general conversations with the supervisor. Maintains cell lines with optimal viability without contamination for research needs. Keep accurate and complete records in the form of established notebooks for Experimental Write-ups, Write-ups in Progress, Cell Log, Freezer Cell Log, and Daily Log. Pioneers and optimizes new research techniques, make insightful recommendations for implementation of new procedures and for optimization of existing procedures, and maintains and periodically updates the ‘Laboratory Procedures Notebook’. Performs literature reviews needed for introduction/ modification of research techniques and for provision of new theoretical information. Participates in the preparation of research publications and presentations.
10%
Serves as laboratory manager by overseeing assignments to students and other technicians in the form of a ‘weekly checklist’ for the upkeep of laboratory cleanliness, organization, and safety and oversees and ensures compliance with these assignments. Also oversees the safe and proper use of equipment within the laboratory and for specified departmental equipment outside of the laboratory. Provides the example of a strong work ethic for other research personnel.
5%
Trains students and other laboratory personnel to meet research needs and trains and provides guidance to other technical personnel from outside our laboratory. Provides ongoing supervision, technical advice, and planning guidance for more senior students and technicians for the conduct of their research. Oversees students and other research personnel for accurate compilation of their notebooks for Experimental Write-ups, Write-ups in Progress, Cell logs, and Daily logs. Supervises compliance of all research personnel for associated procedures and data recording in common lab notebooks such as Freezer Cell Log, TCGF/ IL-2 Log, Laboratory Procedures Notebook, -80˚C Freezer Inventory, 4˚C Inventory, and Supplies Inventory. Resolves conflicts and grievances between research personnel and actively participates in the hiring of technicians and work-study students.
5%
Prepares orders and keeps a system of notebooks containing orders, packing slips, and all relevant information according to an established organized system for tracking orders. Assumes primary responsibility and promotes cooperative efforts by all laboratory personnel to maintain an inventory of consumable lab supplies. Has primary responsibility for writing orders and for receiving supplies. Works with departmental staff to track back ordered or lost orders/ supplies and coordinates closely with supervisor for maintenance of accurate financial data on extramural grants.
5%
Manages or assigns responsibility for repair or replacement of malfunctioning equipment and has primary responsibility for dealing with sales representatives for most important purchases by the laboratory. Directly repairs equipment when expertise allows.
5%
Shows continual improvement in understanding the theoretical aspects of the research. This task involves understanding concepts and questions posed by each experiment, accurately interpreting data, and providing accurate conclusions in experimental write-ups. In certain cases, provides relevant future directions for research and identifies relevant research articles in the literature. Contributes to the written description of procedures that are adapted for publication in manuscripts and grant applications.