Research Technician

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences • Little Rock, AR

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Technician provides support for research projects within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The Research Technician will perform general and more specific laboratory tasks, including: cleaning and sterilization of glassware, general laboratory cleaning, preparation of cell culture media and chemical solutions using appropriate aseptic techniques, light maintenance of lab equipment (including water baths, incubators, etc.), performance of basic biological and immunological techniques (in vitro cell culturing, cultivation of viruses, cloning, bacterial culture, ELISAs, ELISpots, immunofluorescence microscopy, etc.), maintenance of chemical inventories, and data entry. Specifically, this position requires 100% effort towards research grants supervised by Dr. Craig Forrest.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED required.
• Candidate should be willing to work with, handle, and perform experiments involving laboratory mice.
• Applicant should have a basic knowledge of the equipment used in a research laboratory and should be capable of formulating and making stocks of media and other chemical reagents.
• Ability to keep organized records and notes is needed.
• Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working with laboratory mice is considered a plus.
• Prior experience working with viruses is also beneficial.
• Prior experience in sterile culturing techniques is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university with coursework in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
• One to two years of laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain animal colonies, including breeding, weaning, and genotyping of laboratory mice.
• Generate virus stocks for research experiments and prepare competent bacteria for laboratory use.
• Order laboratory supplies and maintain inventory levels to support ongoing research activities.
• Clean, sterilize, and restock laboratory glassware, equipment, and supplies to ensure laboratory readiness and compliance standards.
• Perform and assist with laboratory experiments contributing directly to ongoing research initiatives.
• Conduct viral infection studies in laboratory mice, including tissue harvesting and processing procedures.
• Isolate immune cells and prepare biological samples for flow cytometry analysis.
• Perform molecular biology techniques related to viral infection studies, including molecular cloning and protein biochemistry procedures.
• Conduct immunohistochemistry procedures and assist with the analysis of experimental samples.
• Perform routine maintenance and monitoring of laboratory equipment, including water baths, tissue culture hoods, microscopes, and related instruments.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and operational functionality of laboratory spaces.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED