Graduate Research Technician III

Liberty University•Lynchburg, VA

36d•Onsite

About The Position

The Graduate Research Technician (GRT) role will assist with department-related grant-funded research projects for the duration of the grant. The GRT works under direct supervision of the assigned Principal Investigator (PI). Responsibilities and tasks are assigned based on active grant(s)/contract(s). Off-hours and weekend work may be required at all levels. The following statements describe the approximate nature of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive description of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel with this classification. The job description may alter depending on the nature of the grant/contract that is being fulfilled. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES All Levels and Disciplines Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering Liberty University’s mission. Maintain a safe work environment. Maintain accurate records of conducted research based on the adopted by the lab tools and techniques. Meet with faculty supervisor to maintain an ongoing assessment of the performance. Perform other related duties as required. Additional information may be found here Level 1 Apply standard scientific practices, techniques, and methods as appropriate for specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related, detailed steps or processes Contribute to experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on the basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include measurements and recording of observations, collecting, compiling, and processing of data Organize data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations May coordinate operational activities in a research laboratory, providing support services to researchers and technicians Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards for lab operations to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory Coordinate ordering, maintaining appropriate inventory, storage, and maintenance of supplies, labware, and instruments essential to the operation of the lab Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Level 2 Develop, design, and conduct research projects under the general direction of faculty and/or senior research personnel and according to standard protocols or research plans Investigate and evaluate research methods and suggest options for improving the experimental process and quality May be responsible for the operation of a specialized laboratory or research area within a department and related data analysis for a research project Oversees the day-to-day operation of project Collect and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related, detailed steps or processes Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, or oral/written presentations Prepare reports and may present data at meetings Train users in equipment operation and research techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations limitations, and outcomes Schedule and maintain records of equipment/facility May assemble, test, calibrate, clean, or make minor repairs to equipment Level 3 Develop, design, and conduct one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with the plan, review progress, and evaluate results Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; contribute to determining the feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring the quality, cost effectiveness, and timeliness of assigned projects Participate in formulating research methods and suggesting options for improving quality and recommending solutions, identifying problems and related technical issues, leading to long-term solutions by identifying technical approaches for problem-solving solving Coordinate data collection and screening, and verify data; conduct analysis of data, interpret, and implement research methodology based on the outcome of the analysis May be responsible for the operation of a specialized research area or laboratory May act as liaison with other departments, divisions, or organizations to answer questions or provide advice on research projects/experiments Train users in equipment operation and research techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations limitations, and outcomes Assist in the preparation of papers, proposals, presentations, and reports to an outside audience May also perform duties identified in lower-level(s)

Requirements

Current enrollment in the graduate degree program.
Satisfactory academic progress (3.0 or higher GPA).
Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
Communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong aptitude to learn new skills, i.e., teachable
Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Operate laboratory and experimental testing equipment.
Assist in surgical procedures on small animals.
Excellent dexterity to facilitate the precise handling of extremely small volumes of solutions and to perform animal surgeries.
Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork, type on a keyboard, and complete research-related tasks.
Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally.
Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs (3 flights) to move about the building.
Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop to conduct business.
Regularly lift 20 or fewer pounds.
No aversion or health concerns with working around small rodents.
Proof of a valid state issued driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Responsibilities

Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering Liberty University’s mission.
Maintain a safe work environment.
Maintain accurate records of conducted research based on the adopted by the lab tools and techniques.
Meet with faculty supervisor to maintain an ongoing assessment of the performance.
Perform other related duties as required.
Apply standard scientific practices, techniques, and methods as appropriate for specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related, detailed steps or processes
Contribute to experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on the basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include measurements and recording of observations, collecting, compiling, and processing of data
Organize data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations
May coordinate operational activities in a research laboratory, providing support services to researchers and technicians
Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards for lab operations to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory
Coordinate ordering, maintaining appropriate inventory, storage, and maintenance of supplies, labware, and instruments essential to the operation of the lab
Develop, design, and conduct research projects under the general direction of faculty and/or senior research personnel and according to standard protocols or research plans
Investigate and evaluate research methods and suggest options for improving the experimental process and quality
May be responsible for the operation of a specialized laboratory or research area within a department and related data analysis for a research project
Oversees the day-to-day operation of project
Collect and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related, detailed steps or processes
Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, or oral/written presentations
Prepare reports and may present data at meetings
Train users in equipment operation and research techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations limitations, and outcomes
Schedule and maintain records of equipment/facility
May assemble, test, calibrate, clean, or make minor repairs to equipment
Develop, design, and conduct one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with the plan, review progress, and evaluate results
Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; contribute to determining the feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring the quality, cost effectiveness, and timeliness of assigned projects
Participate in formulating research methods and suggesting options for improving quality and recommending solutions, identifying problems and related technical issues, leading to long-term solutions by identifying technical approaches for problem-solving solving
Coordinate data collection and screening, and verify data; conduct analysis of data, interpret, and implement research methodology based on the outcome of the analysis
May be responsible for the operation of a specialized research area or laboratory
May act as liaison with other departments, divisions, or organizations to answer questions or provide advice on research projects/experiments
Assist in the preparation of papers, proposals, presentations, and reports to an outside audience
May also perform duties identified in lower-level(s)