Research Technologist

Overview

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 to perform work with a consistently high degree of accuracy and attention to detail; meticulous work habits; manual dexterity; neat, accurate, legible record keeping; and excellent organizational and time management skills. Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols. Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies. Ability to understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures. Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise. Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol. Good communication skills and ability to work harmoniously with others.

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.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

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.

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.
• Performs necropsy dissections and collects tissue specimens.
• Collects biological and/or physical samples from animals for experimental use.
• 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.
• Takes responsibility for assigned studies and writes study-specific guides.
• Prepares and labels study-required supplies.
• Bags fixed tissue for storage or shipment.
• 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.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:30am-2:30pm

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.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a wet laboratory environment. Will operate standard laboratory equipment and will frequently stand, walk, sit, perform lab- and desk-based computer tasks, perform laboratory techniques requiring grasping/pipetting/hand dexterity, perform repetitive motions and occasionally lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds. Will wear personal protective equipment which may include a respirator. May work in close proximity to an environment containing research animals and may be required to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious agents are present which may require vaccinations.