Research Assistant

The Research Assistant will work on department-related grant-funded research projects that will be for a fixed time period. The position works under direct supervision on research projects as assigned and carries out research objectives and tasks as outlined by the Principal Investigator based on grants/contracts. The Research Assistant will be expected to follow guidelines and protocols for lab operations as well as have an understanding of laboratory manuals and laboratory terminology. A Research Assistant will be required to contribute in experiments, field and laboratory tests by monitoring, recording and summarizing results, which could include preparing tables, charts, graphs and basic statistical data analysis. The Research Assistant will also be required to present at research meetings and contribute to the writing of research findings. In addition, this individual will need to use, clean, and maintain equipment, maintain supplies, and prepare equipment for testing. Off hours and weekend work may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission

• Apply standard scientific practices, techniques, and methods as appropriate for specific situation, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related detailed steps or processes
• Contribute to cancer immunology experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others working in related technical areas; may include measurements and recording of observations, collecting, compiling and processing of data
• Organize data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations
• May coordinate operational activities in a research laboratory, providing support services to researchers and technicians
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards for lab operations to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory
• Coordinate ordering, maintaining appropriate inventory, storage, and maintenance of supplies, lab ware, and instruments essential to the operation of the lab
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES  

None.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Required: High school diploma, associate degree, completion of a substantial body of undergraduate biology/biomedical course work, and/or 6-months of work experience in a scientific environment are desired. 

Preferred: Skills in immunology-based lab, such as tissue culture, mouse work, tissue digestion, and related preferred.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing using MS-Word.

• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.

• Communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. 
• Perform scientific reasoning and analyses involving routine laboratory procedures. 

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Operate laboratory and experimental testing equipment. 
• May assist in surgical procedures on small animals. 
• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork, type on a keyboard, and complete research-related assays.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs (3 flights) to move about the building. 
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 20 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled laboratory setting.  It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.

Regular (daily) exposure to rodent allergens is expected.  Rodent allergic reactions would be prohibitive to this position. 

Driving Requireme