Research Technician - Majzner Lab

About the role

The Research Technician in the Robbie Majzner Lab supports day-to-day laboratory research operations by maintaining equipment, preparing supplies and specimens, and performing standardized biological, microbiological, and biochemical assays. The role includes recording and analyzing experimental data, assisting with reports, presentations, grant applications, and manuscript preparation, and ensuring compliance with lab safety standards and standard operating procedures. The technician works closely with faculty and staff in a collaborative research environment and may also assist with process improvements, literature review, and other lab support activities as needed.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas and may be responsible for ordering of supplies. Collaborates with Purchasing and may be responsible for negotiating with vendors.
• Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection of information and samples from organic substances, such as blood, drugs, and animals.
• Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings, including grant preparation and presentations, and look for opportunities to co-author publications. May be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff.
• Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required.
• Maintains detailed notebook of all work-related activities.
• Monitors laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to each laboratory.
• Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties.
• May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures.
• May be responsible for the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
• May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred.
• Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.
• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred.
• 0-1 year of experience.
• Learns and uses technical principles, processes, and concepts.
• Applies Institute policies and procedures to resolve routine issues.
• Works on problems of limited scope.
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained.
• Buils stable working relationships internally.