Research Specialist I

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

5d•$48,400 - $67,800•Onsite

About The Position

Provides direct research support at the professional entry level in a Neuroscience laboratory. Is responsible for routine and non-routine tasks including mouse colony management and research assignments. Is responsible for conducting and analyzing a set of experiments that comprise a coherent part of a larger project; and researching and resolving technical problems within the scope of those experiments. Works independently with only occasional suggestions in modifying, varying or adapting standard laboratory procedures in a variety of moderately-complex rodent surgery, microscopy including time- lapse imaging, histological procedures, laboratory tests, analyses and observations which may require nonstandard procedures and complex instrumentation. Troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment and makes simple repairs. Works in tandem with lab associates in handling multiple transgenic and mutant animal colonies, maintaining databases of mouse colony mating and lineages. Verifies colony census and maintains records of DLAM procedures. Corresponds regularly with the animal resource department and lab on animal colony matters. Analyzes histological material with computer-aided microscopy. Performs analyses and scientific data reductions by using standard methods and develops modifications of standard methods to meet special situations. Teaches laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures to students and laboratory technical support staff; and counsels them on technical problems. Routinely (at least once per month) prepares progress reports on personal projects within the larger group. Searches for literature for reference to technical problems involved in research projects, prepares charts, graphs and tables; and assists in preparation of materials for publication. Orders supplies for lab procedures and maintains histological and related laboratory equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a biological discipline or related field.
One year of applicable experience in a laboratory setting.
Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as in a collaborative setting.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication.
Ability to readily learn new experimental techniques.
Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and computer skills.

Responsibilities

Mouse colony management and research assignments.
Conducting and analyzing experiments that are part of a larger project.
Researching and resolving technical problems within the scope of experiments.
Modifying, varying, or adapting standard laboratory procedures for moderately-complex rodent surgery, microscopy (including time-lapse imaging), histological procedures, laboratory tests, analyses, and observations.
Troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment and making simple repairs.
Handling multiple transgenic and mutant animal colonies with lab associates.
Maintaining databases of mouse colony mating and lineages.
Verifying colony census and maintaining records of DLAM procedures.
Corresponding with the animal resource department and lab on animal colony matters.
Analyzing histological material with computer-aided microscopy.
Performing analyses and scientific data reductions using standard methods and developing modifications for special situations.
Teaching laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures to students and technical support staff.
Counselling students and staff on technical problems.
Preparing progress reports on personal projects at least once per month.
Searching literature for reference to technical problems in research projects.
Preparing charts, graphs, and tables.
Assisting in the preparation of materials for publication.
Ordering supplies for lab procedures.
Maintaining histological and related laboratory equipment.