Research Technologist

Overview

 

Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine and non-routine tests and analyses following established techniques and procedures. Work assignments are moderately complex. Documents laboratory work and maintains laboratory equipment and supplies.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the Institute. Current essential functions include the following:

Assembles equipment and performs a wide variety of routine and non-routine laboratory procedures with general supervision including chemical, physical and/or physiological analyses, and following established techniques and procedures.

Identifies problems, makes correction and reports situation to supervisor.

Performs routine troubleshooting

Prepares chemicals and solutions as appropriate.

Precise trimming of fixed animal tissues.

Performs routine data collection and analysis.

Constructs, tests, and operates equipment. Performs scheduled calibration of equipment.

Collects, records, reduces and enters data into the computer or on paper and processes data using established programs.

Revises and updates SOPs and writes study-specific guides.

Prepares and labels tubes and other study-required supplies.

Bags fixed tissue for storage.

Schedules shipments of fixed tissues.

Maintains equipment and supplies in assigned area.

Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes workplace safety.

Monitors work area, equipment and self for contamination and effects decontamination when necessary.

Performs housekeeping duties on a regular basis. May clean equipment and supplies.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to):

Position uses a wide variety of laboratory equipment and supplies and a computer. Position requires: a) safe and proper handling of laboratory materials and specimens: b) following detailed procedures and instructions; c) using prescribed sterile procedures. May work extensively with animal tissue.

 

Other Requirements:

Successful completion of a post offer pre-employment physical examination is required. Ability to access Kirtland Air Force Base is required. Successful completion of CDC/DOJ, DOD approval to access Select Agent(s) and Toxin(s) may be required. May be required to work in containment areas such as the ABSL-3 (infectious agent studies), radiation areas or work environments that may require vaccinations/immunizations and successful completion of training as a condition of employment. Exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Moderate physical activity that requires handling of average-weight objects up to 50 pounds or standing and/or lifting, bending, walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, and sitting for more than four (4) hours per day. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Potential work with chemicals and hazardous material. Work will primarily be performed inside animal facilities, labs or offices, but may work in outside environment. Extended period of time may be spent utilizing the computer. Exposure to laboratory animals of various species including but not limited to rodents, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, swine, non-human primates and any other lab animals that are required to fulfill research needs. Must be able to wear a respirator and any other required personal protective equipment (PPE). Physical hazards could include: non-animal related lacerations, excessive noise levels, noxious or foul odors, needle punctures. Weekend, holiday and after-hours work is required as necessary to meet operational needs of the work site. Must have reliable transportation.

 

Qualifications

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related scientific discipline or with comparable course work; or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications

Technical Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

Ability to exercise good judgement in adjusting variables and correcting experimental irregularities. Work must meet stringent standards of accuracy and precision. Must be computer literate and be capable of analyzing data. Must have initiative and the ability to work independently. Ability t