Summary

Under general supervision, performs non-routine research assignments of substantial variety and complexity under detailed and controlled research, laboratory, or field procedures in biology, microbiology, cell biology, pharmacy, biochemistry, anesthesiology, pathology, and/or other life sciences; receives objectives and technical advice from investigators. May be assisted by other technicians. Conducts data acquisition, compiles data, and computes results on a variety of scientific procedures and techniques. Independently conducts tests or experiments for scientific projects and provides initial analysis of results to investigators.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Performs standardized and complex laboratory or field data acquisition, data manipulation, data reduction, and basic analysis.
2. Compiles data and computes results for a variety of scientific research procedures and techniques, ensuring quality control and protocol compliance; provides initial analyses of results to researcher.
3. Sets up, operates, and maintains a variety of standard laboratory or test equipment of moderate complexity, such as autoclaves, centrifuges, incubators, and electron microscopes.
4. Selects, modifies, and/or adapts equipment or procedures to specific project requirements.
5. Uses standardized and/or specialized statistical and scientific programs to process experimental data.
6. Participates in experiment design; may develop and/or coordinate research and computer protocols.
7. Teaches, instructs, and/or updates others in laboratory research techniques and equipment usage.
8. Performs routine laboratory equipment troubleshooting and repair.
9. May provide functional direction to consultants and lower level technicians on assigned work.
10. Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
11. Maintains a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art research techniques, technology, equipment, and/or systems.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to adapt standard procedures, facilities and/or equipment to meet specific operational needs.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and training to end users.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing, verifying, and manipulating research data.
• Knowledge of SAS programming and/or other statistical software.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) development of and independently following research protocol; b) data manipulation and provision of initial analyses of results to investigators; c) selection, modification, and/or adaptation of equipment, procedures, and/or techniques to specific research requirements; d) technical training, leadership, and advisement of others in laboratory research techniques and equipment usage; e) participation in the writing/preparation of abstracts, posters, and/or manuscripts.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/20/2017