Biology Technician - Department of Ophthalmology

Description

The Ophthalmology Department at West Virginia University School of Medicine is currently accepting applications for a Biology Technician.

About the Opportunity

This position will provide assistance to the Principle Investigator (PI) and other lab members with the everyday operations of the lab.

This position responds to inquiries and resolves matters of relatively low complexity. Responsibilities require some basic decision making and resourcefulness within available guides and precedents. Work effort impacts client services, program and project image, with nominal liabilities.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Responsibilities are functional in nature, and performed under general supervision. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

1. Maintains and genotypes animal colonies.
2. Prepares reagents as needed by the lab staff.
3. Process orders for laboratory supplies.
4. Prepare solutions and materials for laboratory experiments.
5. Assist PI and other investigators in the laboratory with their experiments, as needed.
6. Keep detailed records of research data, written and computerized logs of mouse colony censuses, material safety data sheets, and chemical inventories.
7. Document, analyze, and present experimental results and discuss findings.
8. Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.

The position reports to the Principal Investigator. This position will normally receive or follow specific instructions for routine work. Supervision of others is not required; however, sharing knowledge with others and team participation are expected in the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related science field
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in the following:
  • Relevant experience in a biological research laboratory setting
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication, time management, organizational, and self-motivation skills.
• Skilled at using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Knowledge of using and preparing cell culture media, aseptic techniques, general microbiological procedures, and relevant molecular biology protocols.
• Knowledge of general laboratory terminology. Knowledge of medical terminology would be helpful.
• Ability to measure volumes and/or weights of chemicals and apply mathematical concepts to calculate concentrations (in molar units) and prepare solutions according to precise specifications.
• Ability to operate general laboratory equipment (i.e., pH meter, scales, pipet, centrifuges, etc.) and the willingness and ability to learn new techniques, procedures, or protocols and apply them in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to gather, understand, and implement technical protocols from current literature.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to maintain records and inventories
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to use tools, including wrenches, to perform assembly or standard mechanical repairs of laboratory equipment.