Lab Technician

University of Utah • Salt Lake City, UT, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 2w ago

Dr. Sankar Swaminathan’s lab is looking for a highly motivated individual interested in contributing to basic biomedical research in herpesvirology and COVID-19 research. The successful applicant will possess skills in molecular biology, cloning, PCR, and cell culture. General responsibilities include assisting with experiments and performing technical procedures in a research laboratory under minimal supervision by applying standard scientific techniques and analytical principles. May be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining equipment. May assist with receipt and inspection of reagents, and ordering and stocking of materials and equipment.

Responsibilities

Confers with senior laboratory personnel regarding the procedures and techniques to be followed in conducting research and recommends modifications as needed.
Performs specialized tests and procedures using complex equipment.
Procures supplies and materials needed for laboratory research.
Conducts literature reviews to obtain abstracts and information to be utilized in research.
Makes statistical calculations, analyzes data and prepares reports summarizing results.
May supervise the care of research animals; perform minor animal surgery or collect animal tissues and specimens for laboratory analysis.
Orders supplies and experimental materials needed to conduct research.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals).

Seldom: Exposure to animals.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, equipment, terminology, materials and substances. Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment, ability to create and analyze statistical calculations and prepare reports required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the certification may be required by some departments.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

The ideal applicant will possess a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry or a related field and have previous laboratory employment including hands-on, in-depth knowledge of most of the following techniques: cell culture, DNA and RNA extraction, real-time PCR, western blots, aseptic technique, and cloning. More importantly, we are seeking someone with an extreme attention to detail and a high level of organization. Applications should provide examples of this.

Previous work experience in a laboratory is desired.

Ability to pay attention to detail.

Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer.

Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Ability to communicate accurately and concisely.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

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