We are launching a comprehensive biorepository for patients who visit our gastroenterology and GI surgery clinics, procedures, and operating rooms to advance the field’s understanding and improve the care for patients with gastrointestinal diseases with particular emphasis on the microbiome and immunology. For this exciting endeavor we are looking for a lab technician to help build and maintain the biorepository, as well as perform basic laboratory experiments including potentially handling of mice using samples collected for the biorepository. We envision this role to be truly translational, obtaining patient biospecimens and asking clinically and scientifically relevant questions to better our understanding of health and disease.
Maintenance of the biorepository includes receiving fresh patient biospecimens from the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics during scheduled patient appointments, and processing them for long-term storage and later utilization. Our laboratory uses a sophisticated biorepository system called OpenSpecimen to easily organize and maintain samples and Redcap to survey patients. The research laboratory technician will also perform technical procedures in a research laboratory under minimal supervision by applying standard scientific techniques and analytical principles. The technician will be responsible for recording samples, observations, measurements and results in an organized fashion. The technician may be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining cleanrooms and equipment along with other laboratory colleagues. The technician also may assist with receipt and inspection of materials, ordering and stocking of materials and equipment.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Confers with senior laboratory personnel regarding the procedures and techniques to be followed in conducting research and recommends modifications as needed.
- Maintain records for research coordination.
- Performs tests and procedures using laboratory equipment.
- Monitors and assists with purchasing of laboratory supplies and materials.
- 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.
- May oversee the operations of student course experiments in a laboratory setting.
Problem Solving
This position assists senior laboratory personnel in planning methods and techniques. Work requires exercising independent judgment and basic theoretical knowledge of the applicable science. This position may include limited supervision of entry-level laboratory personnel, who may refer sensitive or unusual situations to the incumbent. If incumbent cannot find a resolution, the situation is referred to the supervisor.
Work is performed in accordance with the supervision of senior laboratory personnel and through periodic conferences with superior.
Comments
This role is a wonderful opportunity for an individual interested in being a part of translational scientific endeavors. This person should be excited by working in a laboratory environment filled with students, post docs and physician-scientists who have an interest in improving the lives of patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Our laboratories have a particular focus on the microbiome and host interactions. This position is a wonderful opportunity to get immersed in the clinical side of research as well; interacting with patients and providers during various GI procedures at the University.
This position will work with and be mentored by Amiko Uchida, MD who is a faculty gastroenterology physician-scientist in the laboratories of June Round PhD and Kathryn Peterson MD. This enriching experience will provide the technician with in-depth exposure to scientific procedures and relevant patient diseases.
Salary is $35,000 ($16.82/hour).
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
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.
This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
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