Research Technologist

The Department of Epidemiology is seeking a Research Technologist. Under the general supervision of the laboratory manager and senior research specialist, the Research Technologist performs research laboratory experiments by following established procedures and protocols and/or with instruction and uses basic science knowledge to learn techniques/methods of the lab and to implement existing techniques.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Runs lab tests and completes measurements as assigned.
• Identifies and resolves common problems and uses analytical skills to implement assigned projects.
• Understands the role of senior lab members and accepts constructive guidance.
• Sets-up experiments based on defined standards.
• Collects and maintains project data.

• Specimen collection and phlebotomy.

• Specimen processing following multiple study procedures, must pay attention to details.

• Specimen repository duties such as sample retrieval from mechanical freezers or liquid nitrogen units, being able to work in extreme temperature units without jeopardizing the integrity of the specimens.

• Shipping biological specimens following IATA guidelines.

• Assist in quality control operations.

• Attending staff meetings and training as directed as well as monthly conference calls with various study sites.

• Understanding and adherence to compliance and confidentiality policies and procedures.

• Understanding and adhering to CLIA guidelines regarding immunological testing and reporting.

• Responsible for routine operational activities such as ordering supplies and materials as needed, reviewing inventory, maintaining up to date records of tests, etc.
• Preventative maintenance of equipment.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must achieve and maintain certification in study procedures per study protocol as a condition of employment.
• Sterile technique.
• Universal precautions, infectious goods shipping knowledge and biology, immunology, virology and serology knowledge is essential.
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques required.

Additional

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 50% of the time.
• Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on and off campus.
• The employee is required to operate a computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides.
• Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory workstations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.

Prolonged vision requirements

• Viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts, and results.
• Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).

Laboratory environment

• Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exists, but the potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed.
• Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas.
• Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area.
• Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment.
• Research areas include human products, DNA, and other bio-hazardous materials.
• Use of personal protective equipment is required.
• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus from one building to another (e.g. supplies and equipment needing sterilization by autoclaving).
• May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes, frozen specimens at -80 and -180 degree...

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Some related post-undergraduate work experience preferred.

Classified Title: Research Technologist
Job Posting Title (Working Title):Research Technologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CC
Starting Salary Range: $15.70 - $26.25 HRLY ($33,150 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:School of Public Health - East Baltimore Campus
Department name: 10001101-Epidemiology
Personnel area: School of Public Health