Research Specialist I

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400410 Biochemistry and Biophysics

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 107 H

Compensation Range:

$23.06 - $32.29

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Talross Lab at the University of Rochester is seeking a highly motivated and organized candidate to provide comprehensive technical and organizational support. This person will act as the primary laboratory coordinator for staff in the lab, manage lab resources and ordering, and ensure laboratory compliance with university safety policies. This person will provide direct research support in a Biochemistry/Molecular Biology laboratory setting; including conducting and analyzing a set of experiments that comprise a coherent part of a larger project, researching and resolving technical problems within the scope of those experiments, as well as participating in lab meetings. They will also be responsible for the orientation and training of new lab members in experimental techniques, methods, and lab safety education. The ideal candidate should be capable of multi-tasking and effective communication.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works with principal investigator to oversee the establishment and operation of the laboratory; should be familiar with all aspects of a laboratory to effectively help organize the lab.
• Works independently with only occasional suggestions in modifying, varying or adapting standard laboratory procedures in a variety of moderately complex molecular, genetic,  and biochemistry techniques which may require nonstandard procedures.
• Generate, organize, and maintain large sets of Drosophila stocks (strains and species), and plasmids.
• Orders supplies for lab procedures and maintains stock of regularly used lab consumables as well as manages lab resources to maintain the order and cleanliness of the lab.
• Orients new students and staff to the lab; ensures that all lab personnel complete necessary training. Teaches laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures to students and laboratory technical support staff; and counsels them on technical problems.
• Independently manages and maintains the lab equipment and the resources of the laboratory. Operates and ensures proper working order of experimental equipment, troubleshoots equipment, and coordinates service agreements and preventative maintenance of equipment (including centrifuges, incubators, PCR machines, microscopes, freezers, and micropipettes) and trains individuals in the use of equipment. Troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment and makes simple repairs.
• Attends laboratory meetings and relevant University seminars. Contributes to preparing publications, presentations, and proposals related to laboratory research.
• Collaborates on the design of experiments, facilitates development and adaptation of specific experimental protocols for a number of experiment types and maintains the documentation for future use.
• Ensures laboratory compliance with Environmental Health and Safety and Training for Research Laboratory Personnel. Keeps records for hazardous waste and chemicals.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of science degree with coursework in general biology, genetics, and molecular biology.
• One year of applicable experience in a laboratory setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as in a collaborative setting, preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication, preferred.
• Ability to readily learn new experimental techniques, requir