Core Facility Research Specialist 3 (Cancer Modeling)

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Core Facility Research Specialist 3 (A) executes complex research protocols in the performance of research activities within revenue-generating Shared Resource (SR) core facilities. The incumbent functions as a liaison between the SR Director, the Research Lab Supervisor, and research staff for laboratory and equipment maintenance, compliance, ordering, and maintaining inventory records. The incumbent displays proficiency in all revenue-producing applications included in the menu of services at a given time of the Shared Resource and trains other staff and users in SR applications. The Core Facility Research Specialist 3 (A) researches, beta tests, and independently develops new services, platforms, or equipment that the core is evaluating as candidates for implementation and incorporation in the SR’s menu of services. The specialist manages new projects from initiation to completion with minimal supervision and interacts with users (Investigators, Trainees, and Staff) in a professional, customer-service-oriented manner.

Responsibilities

• Manages new projects from initiation to completion independently.
• Assists in the operation of sophisticated scientific equipment.
• Assists in the development of new core procedures.
• Assists in ensuring the lab adheres to regulatory policies.
• Reviews laboratory results and maintains records using appropriate lab notebook or database entry.
• Follows SOPs (Standard Operating Protocols).
• Develops and tests new procedures or applications with minimal supervision.
• Trains other SR staff and users on procedures or applications.
• Evaluates inventory of supplies and reagents, communicates order needs, places orders, and verifies receipts.
• Manages inventory and stock as received.
• Assists in performing QA/QC and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including making minor repairs or communicating with service engineers as needed.
• Possesses the computational skills necessary to acquire proficiency in new software programs, cloud-based tools, online webforms, and databases.
• Displays excellent record-keeping skills for all laboratory work and client interactions.
• Able to learn complex techniques and train other staff and users in SR applications.
• Keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments within the area of research.
• Facilitates team workflows in collaboration with team members to ensure tasks, priorities, and goals are completed and coordinated with management.
• Designs, evaluates, and implements methods and protocols for research related to cell culture, including thawing, freezing, passaging, transfecting, and counting of standard immortalized mammalian cells and non-mammalian cells; creating transient, stable transgene, and gene and genome-edited cell populations and lines; culture and maintenance of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells; preparation of media, buffers, and solutions used by the shared resource or other researchers for cell cultures.
• Develops and maintains the cell banking efforts of the facility, including isolation of cells (e.g., PBMCs) from human/animal-derived primary samples.
• Prepares cells to meet the demands of multiple research projects requiring flexible work hours, working in concert with project scientists while adhering to quality control procedures and sterile technique for ensuring consistency of cell culture materials.
• Understands cell culture protocols, interprets experimental outcomes, and elaborates solutions to technical problems encountered while developing and implementing cell culture-related services.
• Performs accurate and reliable record-keeping, including database management, batch records, notebooks, and all pertinent documentation.
• Analyzes research data and prepares reports for the provision of cell culture biology services.
• Works with the director and the team to develop, adapt, and implement new services and state-of-the-art technologies to address scientific problems.
• Maintains cutting-edge technical knowledge of the molecular biology and functional genomics fields, including major advances and emerging trends.
• Manages email communications and maintains internal documentation.
• Works independently and solves technical and scientific problems.
• Monitors timelines and tracks study/project performance, including quality of the work and turnaround time, and analyzes the successful completion of projects.
• Implements QA procedures.
• Prepares online request forms and materials for brochures and reports as required by the study/project.
• Reviews documents to generate reports, including the implementation of a tracking and laboratory information system.
• Reviews and tracks customers’ requests, medical reports, and samples, including the supervision of sample access, retrieval, and inventory control.
• Meets budgetary objectives and adjusts project scope, schedule, and costs based on project constraints and financial analysis.
• Bills for services and helps to develop service fees.
• Assists researchers and lab members with establishing, developing, and performing appropriate imaging protocols using advanced techniques to prepare animals for examination and analysis.
• Plans the day-to-day workload by setting an appropriate work pace, completing work assignments, identifying and solving problems, and defining appropriate completion times.
• Distributes and balances workload and tasks (including model generation, experimental designs, treatments, and histopathological analysis) with established workflows; makes necessary adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned tasks.
• Schedules coverage for the subsections within the work unit, adjusting in-lieu days and annual leave as needed.
• Assists with lab management duties; ensures equipment is operated and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions; ensures supplies are adequate for the work to be performed.
• May train or guide the work of students and other employees.
• Schedules and supports other lab members on a variety of additional routine technical laboratory procedures in molecular biology, cell culture, and animal-related techniques, like genotyping, preparing and administering compounds to mice, observing and recording physical signs of rodent health, collection of routine diagnostic samples, necropsy and tissue and organ harvest, rodent surgical procedures, etc.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures; safeguards University assets; participates in University/outside educational training as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 3 years of relevant experience.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others.

Department Specific Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of two years of cell-based research technical experience performing routine as well as specialized technical procedures.
• Experience with cell imaging (microscopy) and flow cytometry techniques is preferred.
• Proactively helpful in all aspects of the job, whether it involves communication, training, reporting, or project management.
• Mechanical ability and dexterity when performing different lab-related techniques.
• Ability to understand cancer biology.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with general and specialized data analysis software and databases.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or specialized equipment.
• Knowledge of molecular biology procedures, general laboratory operations and/or procedures, as well as knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering.
• Self-motivated individual with a strong desire to learn.
• Exceptional critical thinking and strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, expected to interact with a variety of staff (facility team, users, and other related facilities) in a professional, polite, and positive attitude.
• Excellent English (both verbal and written) required.
• Ability to shift focus between multiple projects, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent time-management skills.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
• Commitment to the University’s core values.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team under the direction of the Director of the Facility.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and tuition remission.