Core Facility Research Specialist 1

The Hussman Institute has an exciting opportunity for a Core Facility Research Specialist 1, SOM position. The incumbent provides laboratory-based support for the University’s research activities by tackling the more specialized and complex projects and experiments. Additionally, the incumbent leverages his/her expertise in training and mentoring department staff, students, and less experienced research associates.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                              

Assists in the operation of sophisticated scientific equipment.

Assists in the development of new core procedures.

Assists in ensuring the lab adheres to regulatory policies.

Reviews laboratory results and maintains records using appropriate lab notebook or database entry.

Follows SOPs (Standard Operating Protocols)

Evaluates inventory of supplies and reagents, communicate order needs, place orders and verify receipts. Inventory and manage stock as received.

Assists in performing QA/QC and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including making minor repairs or communicating with service engineers as needed.

Possesses the computational skills necessary to acquire proficiency in new software programs, cloud-based tools, online webforms and databases.

Exercises excellent record-keeping skills for all laboratory work and client interactions.

Keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments within the area of research.

Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                            

Bachelor's degree in relevant field required

No experience required

Department Specific Functions

Proficient in complex laboratory Information management systems (LIMS) in order to track sample and project progress and keep an organized and detailed laboratory notebook associated with all laboratory procedures

Expertise in multiple QC methods for quantitation and quantitation of DNA and/or RNA such as Nanodrop, Tapestation, BioAnalyzer, Qubit and Gel Electrophoresis.

Expertise in Biobanking handling procedures of a variety of specimen types including DNA, RNA, whole blood, plasma, serum, cell lines, tissue, urine etc.

In addition to operating all standard lab equipment (centrifuges, thermocyclers, etc.), has a working knowledge of specialized lab equipment such as Hamilton Vantage, Azenta BioStore, etc.

Working knowledge of several DNA and RNA extraction methods from various material types including but not limited to blood, saliva, tissue(various), etc.

Analyzes data for quality and consistency and reports issues to supervisor.

Tracks project progress and provides status updates to ensure that a given project moves through the pipeline in a timely and efficient manner.

Tracks and orders the reagents needed to complete all daily and complex laboratory tasks such that downtime and spending are minimal.