Laboratory Technician

The purpose of this contract is to perform laboratory procedures (human sample handling and processing, extraction and quantitation of nucleic acids and proteins) and assays (molecular biology assays such as gel electrophoresis, enzymatic assays, PCR, etc.), under the direction [of] the principal investigator and senior scientists, which are core experimental research activities.

• Associates degree with at least four (4) years of experience or Bachelor’s with at least two (2) years of experience in molecular biology or a related field is required

• Molecular Biology

• Experience with MS Word, Excel, Access, and GraphPad Prism.

• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.

• Must be organized with a strong ability to multi-task, prioritize, and be attentive to detail.

• Must possess a high level of independent judgment and accuracy.

• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and reliably.

• Work products and documents related to maintaining and completing laboratory logs; manage inventory and procure laboratory supplies, reagents and equipment; perform laboratory procedures. - Daily

• Work products and documents related to assessing and utilizing methods and/or procedures for use in laboratory experiments; make modifications and improvements in laboratory methods/procedures to meet specific needs or experimental situations. - Weekly

• Work products and documents related to maintenance of patient sample inventory and database and extraction and quantitation of nucleic acids and proteins from patient samples; procure and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies, including required documentation. - Weekly

• Work products and documents related to laboratory safety compliance, institution’s rules and regulations, such as institutional review board protocols, environmental health and safety, and waste management. - Monthly

• Experience with molecular biological techniques, including, but not limited to pipetting, centrifugation, buffer preparation; DNA/RNA isolation and quantification; primer/probe design ;PCR; RT-PCR; qPCR and gel electrophoresis, imaging and purification. - 1
• Perform laboratory procedures (human sample handling and processing, extraction and quantitation of nucleic acids and proteins) and assays (molecular biology assays such as gel electrophoresis, enzymatic assays, PCR, etc.), under the direction the principal investigator and senior scientists. - 2
• Responsible for sample shipping, receiving, storage, and inventory. Shall also aid in monitoring and updating the NIH Sickle Cell Branch inventory repository. - 3
• Maintain log of laboratory safety compliance; ensure that regulations are being followed. - 4

• Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life.

• Make recommendations to effectively resolve issues by using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, and regulations or law.

• Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures.

• Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.

• Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.

• Assist in developing novel assays and methodologies as needed for the planned fundamental and translational research.

• Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment.

• Maintain laboratory equipment.

• Analyze laboratory findings.

• Prepare reports and present data to supervisors, lab members, and collaborators.

• Generate protocols and updates.

• Maintain and accurately complete laboratory logs (patient samples -whole blood, plasma, DNA, RNA, Protein).

• Maintain inventory and procure laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment when needed.

• Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures.

• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.

• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

• Record research or operational data.

• Make modifications and improvements in laboratory methods/procedures, in collaboration with lab personnel, to meet specific needs or experimental situations.

• Comply with institution’s rules and regulations, such as institutional review board protocols, environmental health and safety, and waste management.