Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
a. MS degree in reproductive biology or animal sciences
b. 2-10 years’ experience in academic and private laboratories
c. Experience in blood and milk sampling from cattle
d. Omics sample preparation and analysis (i.e, lipidomics, metabolomics, proteomics, genomics, etc.)
e. Next generation sequencing
f. Ovum pick up or Embryo transfer
g. Experience in running and troubleshooting western blots, qRTPCR, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, histology, radioimmunoassay, near infrared forage or milk analyses, forage sampling, ELISAs, SAS Viya or 9.4
h. Liquid nitrogen storage and management
i. Transrectal ultrasonography
j. Experience with IRB and IACUC protocol submissions
k. Cattle, sheep, goats, and pig handling and husbandry (daily or hourly collections on animals)
Required License or Certification
Position Overview
Primary Purpose of Position
The research technician (RT) will work in the Reproductive Biology laboratory in the Department of Animal Sciences. The RT will provide support for and reports to the Principal Investigator(s) in all aspects of research activities with the laboratories. This person will assist in overall management and oversight of daily laboratory research activities including working with graduate and undergraduate students. The RT will assist the PI in running laboratory-based assays, cell and tissue culture including in vitro embryo production.
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The mission of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is to provide opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve excellence, through intellectual and technological advancements, in the food, agricultural, environmental and life sciences that will cultivate and enhance their potential for global leadership, productivity and competitiveness. The Department of Animal Sciences offers degrees in three major areas: Animal Science (Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees are offered), Animal Science (Animal Industry), and Laboratory Animal Science. Courses offered by the Department of Animal Sciences prepare students for entry into graduate and professional schools as well as careers in animal science, biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceutical and related industries. In addition to course work, the Department supports undergraduate and graduate research.
Work Hours 8:00am to 5:00pm on Monday-Friday adjusting hours to be available on the weekend if necessary.
Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)
Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies
Required Competency Knowledge - Technical
Duties
The Research Technician (RT) is highly knowledgeable in the specific technical area(s) related to dairy cattle production and reproductive biology and stays current with developments and trends in this area.
The RT is highly knowledgeable in and independently operates all instrumentation, including complex equipment and/or software used for research objectives within the laboratory.
Required Competency Laboratory Operations
Duties
Research Support and Management:
i. RT works with animal samples in a timely manner
ii. RT performs molecular, biochemical and histological procedures, including western blot, ELISA, and PCR.
iii. RT calculates and prepare appropriate quantities of media, reagents, and chemical solutions to ensure they are properly mixed and applied.
iv. RT is responsible for training /supervising all students working in the laboratories (high school, undergraduate, and graduate students) in general lab safety and lab operations in experimental techniques used to conducted research and delegates lab organization and cleaning activities as required.
v. RT implements and uses a filing/labeling system, plans and executes short-term/long-term experiments.
vi. RT maintains a calendar of activities and records of monthly expenses.
Required Competency Data Collection/Analysis
Duties
i. RT Prioritizes and consistently executes reproductive biology experiments to assure timely completion and analysis of data.
ii. RT Assist with word processing, preparation of spreadsheets, and statistical software.
iii. RT identifies and reports variations or discrepancies in the data; organizes and prepares data for reports, abstracts, manuscripts, grants and presentations.
iv. RT maintains a calendar of activities and records of monthly expenses.
Required Competency Laboratory Management
Duties
RT works with study subjects in an ethical manner.
RT administers specialized medications or chemical treatments according to established protocols. RT monitors and reports study subject reactions.
RT ensures compliance with sanitation and safety procedures
RT has total responsibility or oversight for the regular cleaning and organization of all lab spaces, e.g. bench tops, shelves, drawers, refrigerators, and freezers, and specialized research equipment.
RT is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of biosafety level 1-2 laboratory compliance activities and records.
RT is responsible for maintaining and inspecting all lab equipment, performing inventory of supplies to identify, track and report variations or discrepancies in inventory used in laboratory.
RT is required to oversee distribution and ordering of all labs supplies and equipment.
RT coordinate tests, procedures and experiments with ancillary units.
RT independently performs minor repairs, place work order requests for equipment calibrations and operates or oversees operation of all equipment and instruments in support of research laboratory, field, or clinical programs.