JOB SUMMARY:

Perform under minimal supervision a wide variety of complex tasks requiring practical understanding of scientific techniques and advanced knowledge of scientific theory.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under minimal supervision, plan, conduct and evaluate experiments and assays of varying complexity.
• Plan and coordinate experiments in conjunction with Principal Investigator (PI).
• Understand and follow experimental protocols (may include animal handling, tissue culture, etc.)
• Record, compile, interpret, and communicate data/results.
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens)
• Perform calculations involving molarity, % solutions, and serial dilutions.
• Prepare, operate and troubleshoot equipment in experimental procedures.
• Recommend equipment and supplies needed for research projects.
• Read and follow all equipment manuals.
• Maintain and repair equipment according to manufacturer and university guidelines.
• Ensure laboratory is prepared for experiments.
• Maintain inventories.
• Maintain sterile conditions as required.
• Prepare reagents.
• Assist PI in modifying procedures and techniques.
• Recognize problems and suggest solutions, assist in modifications.
• Recommend improvements to established techniques and/or protocols.
• Maintain personal knowledge of scientific trends through literature reviews, attendance at meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Provide appropriate written/oral documentation of experiments
• Prepare research progress reports.
• Analyze and summarize test results.
• Preparation and oral presentation of data as required
• Assist in the effective operation of the laboratory.
• Train other employees.
• Supervise projects and/or personnel.

Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) and 4 years experience

• Physical Requirements/Strengths needed & Physical Demands:
  
  
  
  Movement
  
  • Occasional: Sitting: Remaining in seated position
  • Occasional: Standing: Remaining on one's feet without moving.
  • Occasional: Walking: Moving about on foot.
  • Occasional: Lifting under 35 lbs: Raising and lowering objects under 35 lbs from one level to another
  • Occasional: Push/Pull: Exerting force to move objects away from or toward.
  • Occasional: Bending/Stooping: Trunk bending downward and forward by bending spine at waist requiring full use of lower extremities and back muscles
  • Occasional: Reaching below shoulders: Extending arms in any direction below shoulders.
  • Occasional: Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with hand or hands.
  
  
  Sensory
  
  • Occasional: Vision: Clarity of near vision at 20 inches or less and far vision at 20 feet or more with depth perception, peripheral vision, color vision.
  • Occasional: Noise: May include exposure to occupational noise levels which equal or exceed an 8-hr time-weighted average of 85 decibels, requiring enrollment in VUMC's Hearing Conservation Program which includes training, use of hearing protection, and periodic audiometry.
  • Continuous: Communication: Expressing or exchanging written/verbal/electronic information.
  
  
  Environmental Conditions
  
  • Occasional: Chemicals and Gasses: Medications, cleaning chemicals, oxygen, other medical gases used in work area.
  • Occasional: Radiation: May be exposed to occupational radiation, requiring enrollment in VUMC's Radiation Safety Program which includes training, use of personal protective equipment with lead shielding, and personal dose monitoring.