Research Associate II

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate II provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate II will perform research experiments as defined by the PI with a degree of independence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project
• Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used
• Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps with a degree of independence while under the direction of the PI or designee
• Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects
• Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
• Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice
• Present findings at lab/group meetings
• Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted
• May assist with laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment
• Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
• Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards
• Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
• Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements
• Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions
• May assist with the training of new lab personnel
• Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
• May assist with drafting manuscripts sections
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Natural Science and 18 months of relevant research experience or a related Master's degree.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Ability to work in a team environment

The primary role and responsibility of this position will be to oversee and manage mouse colonies for several research laboratories. Specific duties shall include, but not be limited to the following:

- Set up and maintain a database of all mouse inventory.

- Manage strains of mouse colonies for up to five research laboratories including breeding, tissue collection, weaning, euthanasia and health monitoring for two labs as well as outside collaborators.

- Manage transgenic and helicobactor free mouse colonies. This includes the maintenance of all surgical animals, monitoring health and treatments as required, hormone injections, husbandry, cesarian sections, weaning and tissue collections.

- Maintain adequate numbers of breeding males and females and track their mating history.

- Place orders from commercial laboratories for mice.

- Arrange imports and exports of mice to various institutions worldwide.

- Train new laboratory personnel on animal usage, working in a barrier facility, use of anesthesia machine, surgical techniques, tissue and blood collection.

- Collaborate with staff in the department of Animal Medicine regarding any new policies or procedures and relay that information to appropriate laboratory personnel to keep everyone compliant.