UNIV - Research Specialist II - Department of Ophthalmology

Job Duties

• Perform experiments on cultured cells and analyze biochemical reactions.
• Perform biochemical and immunological assays on fresh tissues and cultured cells. These assays include PCR, western blot, ELISA, resistance measurements, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence.
• Contribute to other research projects in the lab, share expertise with fellow lab members proper equipment uses and lab protocols, support lab coordination and ordering.
• Maintain detailed account of experimental procedures and results, take leadership roles in study design, identification of new protocols or modification of existing protocols, and give advice to PI.
• Present results through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at local, national and international meetings, help in the preparation of grant applications with PI.
• Characterize the protective effects of a research compound on mtDNA in tissue culture models.
• Perform experiments in the mouse models to characterize mitochondrial structure and ocular function in response to a research compound.

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position (Frequent).
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position (Continuous).
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile (Frequent).
• Ability to climb, using step stool (Infrequent).
• Ability to work in temperature extremes (32° F to 100° F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries (Infrequent).
• Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces (Continuous).
• Ability to bend at the waist (Frequent).
• Ability to twist at the waist (Frequent).
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms (Continuous).
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders (Frequent).
• Ability to fully use both legs (Frequent).
• Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions (Frequent).
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction (Continuous).
• Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted (Infrequent).
• Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted (Infrequent).
• Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level (Frequent).
• Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements (Continuous).
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes (Continuous).
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally (Continuous).
• Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems (Continuous).
• Ability to hear and/or understand conversations (Continuous).
• Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous).
• Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually (Continuous).