Responsibilities

Position Summary :

This position requires active participation in research laboratory activities. This individual will participate in basic science laboratory procedures including processing human subject-derived biospecimens and performing pathogen and antibody detection assays (such as isolating mononuclear cells from blood, cell-sorting by flow cytometry, polymerase chain reaction, tissue culture procedures, enzyme linked immunoassays including the Luminex platform, and fluorescent antibody detection). Coordinate and collaborate with numerous research assistants for specimen tracking and timely processing of samples. Assist with laboratory and equipment maintenance, order supplies and adherence to regulatory requirements is required. Strong organizational skills are essential including, but not limited to, creating and maintaining detailed laboratory notes and accurate and timely database entry. Assist in the maintenance of a large sample inventory, correct discrepancies in the inventory, and create aliquots of original samples for testing; will require attention to detail. Demonstrates ICARE* values in each of the major responsibilities.

NOTE: This document describes typical duties and responsibilities and is not intended to limit management from assigning other work as required.

Major Responsibilities

40% Specimen Processing

• Prepare workstation for efficient workflow and stock with necessary supplies

• Log in specimens

• Label, aliquot, and freeze specimens per study protocols for testing and storage

• Interact with enrollment team to resolve any questions

• Clean and disinfect work station

30% Research Laboratory Procedures

• Organize the work station with the necessary supplies, including assembling any necessary plastic ware

• Cell staining and counting for flow cytometry experiments

• Routine cleaning of instrumentation and work area per protocol; Clean and maintain instruments per manufacture’s recommendations

• Restocking of workstation supplies

• Perform routine laboratory analyses including (but not limited to) RT-PCR, ELISA, cell culture, histology and microscopy.

• Separation of peripheral blood cells following standardized protocols

• Maintain and analyze primary cells in tissue culture

20% Data and Specimen Management

• Learn several existing databases (i.e. excel, BSI, BLIS)

• Daily data entry into numerous databases

• Assist with a Biospecimen Inventory Database (BSI). This includes specimen entry into Inventory Database and assistance with regular inventory reconciliation and creation of children aliquots from original or parent samples

• Maintenance of shared protocols

5% Laboratory management procedures such as ordering supplies, participation in team meetings and conference calls, adhering to regulatory policies, maintaining certifications and training, and troubleshooting workflow problems. Keeping current in the field through pertinent seminars and literature.

5% Help to train and assist new student employees, potentially in research lab procedures, data entry and checking, and stocking supplies.

Requirements :

Associate’s degree in appropriate discipline plus 2-3 years specialized experience in related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. BS/BA in biological/physical science or equivalent experience is preferred. Advanced education and experience is valued. A minimum of 1-year experience in laboratory science desired. Individuals with experience in handling human subject-derived biospecimens and/or cytometry are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of University policy and procedures is desirable.

Candidate should be highly organized and detail/documentation oriented. A high degree of competence in basic computer applications (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication are essential. Selected applicant will be required to take numerous U of R certification courses.

Required Competencies:

Demonstrates skill in communication both verbally and in writing. Demonstrate efficiency in prioritizing assignments, skilled in proactively resolving problems, and recommending and implementing continuous quality improvements. Possess good knowledge of Microsoft office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to perform data entry into various databases. Prior experience with cellular biology methods and experience in handling human subject-derived biospecimens is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Laboratory research duties will require working in a modern biomedical research facility, with a large interdependent, highly collaborative research staff, in the vicinity of properly contained chemical, biological and radiological materials.

2. Duties will necessarily involve working with various human biospecimens, including but not limited to respiratory, blood, saliva and stool samples, and clinical data. This will require fine motor manipulations as well as familiarity with biosafety techniques and protection of PHI.

3. All procedures and facilities conform to federal, local and institutional safety and ethical guidelines.

Shift :

Primarily Day Shift; Schedule varies based on Laboratory needs. May involve routine weekend and evening hours within the approved hours of the work week.

Supervision :

The position reports directly to the P.I., with support from senior laboratory staff members, and must be capable of working both independently, using sound judgment and according to University standards for good laboratory and clinical research practices, and as part of a team. The individual will be responsible for training and monitoring of additional laboratory personnel in the methods for which they have been trained.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

None other than training and monitoring of laboratory personnel as noted above.

Equipment :

Computers, Biosafety Cabinets, pipettors, assorted cold storage (Liquid nitrogen, -80ºc & -20ºc freezers, cold room), microscopes, incubators, autoclave, centrifuges, fume hoods, flow cytometer, PCR machines, nucleic acid extraction instruments, spectrophotometers, plate/Luminex readers. Ice machine, pH meter, balances, power supplies and gel boxes, label printers. Qiagen Extraction Instrument. Telephone, copier, scanner, printer, fax.

*For more on the ICARE values go to: http://intranet.urmc-sh.rochester.edu/patient-experience/patient-centered-care/icare-values.as

How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Pay Range

Pay Range: $ 16.49 - $ 23.08 Hourly

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

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Location: School of Medicine & Dentistry
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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