Biology Instructional Labs Staff Research Assoc. - 141370

Under supervision of the School's Instructional Labs Operations Manager, the Staff Research Associate works with a team of laboratory staff to prepare materials for the Instructional Laboratories in the School of Biological Sciences. The incumbent will provide technical support for neurosciences and other various lab courses depending on scheduling needs.

Duties to include the following: Provide support for neuroscience programs; assist staff members supporting other undergraduate lab courses as needed; determine class needs based on protocols provided by instructors; evaluate equipment and supply status and availability; prepare media and solutions; set up classroom with various materials needed for the day's courses; prepare class demonstrations; demonstrate standard equipment usage and basic routine lab procedures to teaching assistants, students, and incoming personnel under the direction of the supervisor.

Additional responsibilities:Assist with tracking routine lab supplies, maintaining order records, and monitoring expenditure logs, procedures and inventories; handle and store biohazardous materials, controlled substances and animals subjects (leeches, fish, rats, sea urchins, worms, fruit flies and others as needed); enforce safety standards as required by Environmental Health and Safety; clean and sterilize glassware and labs after class; clean and maintain equipment; and assist with quarterly and yearly inventory, ordering system, equipment repairs, and protocol record system. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Theoretical and practical background and knowledge in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neurobiology and/or Evolutionary Biology acquired through a BS degree or higher in Biology or related fields OR an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income, and expenditures reports. Proven ability to perform calculations by hand or calculator. Must be able to calculate molarities, normalities and percentages.

• Ability to perform routine and standard aseptic technique, animal husbandry, euthanasia according to university regulations, and common lab calculations. Demonstrated ability to accurately prepare solutions and aliquots.

• Demonstrated ability to use a variety of microscopes, centrifuges, various types of incubators, tissue culture equipment, autoclave, and dishwasher, with the ability to troubleshoot problems and perform minor repairs. Ability to learn operation of new equipment if necessary.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and regulations, Safety Data Sheets and safety precautions, including safe handling, proper storage and disposal of biohazardous, radioactive materials, chemicals, and biologicals. Use of lab safety equipment. Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of proper protective equipment (PPE).

• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills with ability to support diverse and unrelated courses simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to multitask, meet multiple deadlines, and deal with interruptions and changing priorities.

• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability in using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and interact effectively with others in the scientific community.

• Demonstrated skill in using computers to enter, modify, retrieve and print inventory records and experience with office software such as PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat. Willingness and ability to update and increase computer skills and knowledge as needed. Experience with Quartzy or similar lab management software preferred but not required.

• Experience preparing lab for class demonstrations.

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

• Skill to read and understand equipment manuals to troubleshoot general malfunctions in lab instruments.

• Skill to train others in basic lab support techniques and procedures (preparation of media, dishwashing, equipment usage, etc.).

• Attention to protocol and details and ability to assist with troubleshooting.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific instruction. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Proven skill in accurate record-keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data. Ability to maintain careful, legible and well-organized laboratory notes and records.

• Ability to handle and care for animal subjects such as rats, frogs, leeches, and/or worms and have the knowledge and ability to prepare all for lab use as needed or directed.

• Must be able to work evenings and weekends, depending on the quarter's schedule of classes.

• Work schedule may change from quarter to quarter.

• Must be willing to work with animals and perform animal euthanasia.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous materials and biologicals.

• Must be able to lift/move up to 50 lbs.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.