Research Technologist

Summary of Job Duties

The Research Technologist reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Melda Onal, Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, and serves as a key member of the research team supporting laboratory operations and animal-based research. This position is responsible for coordinating laboratory organization, supporting animal experimentation, managing mouse colonies and databases, and ensuring compliance with institutional, federal, and animal welfare regulations. The Research Technologist develops, implements, and maintains standardized experimental and surgical protocols; assists with the preparation of Animal Use Protocols (AUPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); performs specialized laboratory techniques, including histomorphometric analysis of bone and cartilage; and provides technical expertise for animal surgical procedures. The position also oversees laboratory supply management, trains research personnel, fellows, and students on laboratory and animal procedures, and serves as the primary liaison with the University Animal Laboratory regarding animal health, husbandry, and animal care operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, Life Sciences, or a closely related field required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, as well as reference management software.
• Demonstrated experience with laboratory animal handling, animal experimentation, and surgical procedures.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and compliance with established research protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of experience in a biomedical or academic research laboratory.
• Experience with mouse colony management, animal breeding, genotyping, and animal husbandry.
• Experience developing or maintaining Animal Use Protocols (AUPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Knowledge of federal regulations, IACUC requirements, and animal welfare standards governing laboratory animal research.
• Experience performing histology, histomorphometry, or musculoskeletal research techniques involving bone and cartilage.
• Experience training or mentoring students, fellows, or research staff in laboratory and animal research procedures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the daily operations of the research laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow and support for ongoing research activities.
• Manage animal research operations, including mouse colony maintenance, animal experimentation, surgical procedures, and database management.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized laboratory, surgical, and experimental protocols to ensure research quality and consistency.
• Prepare and maintain Animal Use Protocols (AUPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other documentation required for regulatory compliance.
• Perform specialized laboratory techniques, including histomorphometric analysis of bone and cartilage, while maintaining accurate research records.
• Train and provide technical guidance to laboratory staff, fellows, students, and other research personnel in laboratory and animal research procedures.
• Coordinate laboratory inventory, equipment, and supply procurement while collaborating with the University Animal Laboratory to support animal health and care.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, federal regulations, and animal welfare standards by supporting inspections, audits, and quality assurance activities.
• Organize and prioritize multiple research projects, communicate effectively with the research team, and contribute to the successful completion of laboratory objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the laboratory's research mission.

Additional Information

This position is a Designated Research Position and is regulated by the Arkansas Research Education Protection Act of 2025. Prior to issuance of an offer of employment, the University is required to request and obtain additional information about an applicant's background and, if required, conduct an additional review of that background information.

Salary Information

Commensurate with education and experience