Job Description
Title:
Research Associate
Job Class Code:
4411
Summary:
Function & Scope: This position plans, conducts and directs a wide variety of experiments and is responsible for the evaluation and interpretation of the data obtained. Incumbent will also be responsible for the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. Responsibilities include collecting, evaluating, interpreting and documenting research data to accomplish the objectives of complex scientific experiments and research projects.
Essential Functions:
Typical Essential Functions include but are not limited to the following:
- Plans, coordinates and directs a wide variety of research experiments, according to protocol in the pursuit of research goals.
- Plans and performs quantitative and qualitative research procedures in various areas of biology, chemistry, physics and other biomedical, dental or related scientific areas.
- Plans and executes the details of experiments according to research protocol.
- Conducts experiments using advanced equipment, and applying complex techniques, methods and procedures including tissue and organ culture, protein purification, enzyme purification, enzyme assays, membrane protein purification, cytogenic analysis, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization, liquid, gas and thin layer chromatography, electrophoresis analysis, tissue staining and processing, animal surgery, anesthetic dosage, and electron microscopy.
- Develops or assists in the development of new techniques to be used in conducting experiments; performs troubleshooting so that experiments may not be delayed.
- Evaluates and interprets research data to provide needed information to investigators, resulting in publication.
- Provides direction and training to lab personnel to assure high quality and timely lab results; may assist in the instruction of students in research techniques, methods and literature review; conducts orientation and on-the-job training (OJT) of lab technicians.
- Assists in the preparation and writing of research reports, manuscripts, papers and grant proposals for presentation or publication; researches current scientific literature for research protocols; works closely with the principal investigator, research staff members and technicians concerning scientific, research and administrative matters.
- Prepares materials for presentations.
- Maintains equipment and performs experimental setup, responsible for proper cleaning of equipment, experimental setup and general lab.
- May perform data analysis using statistical software packages
Marginal Functions:
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision:
Received: Work is performed under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, faculty member or other designated official.
Given: May provide direct supervision to Senior Research Assistants, Research Assistants, laboratory technicians, and students in the performance of their duties.
Education:
Required: Bachelor’s degree in one of the life sciences, plus
Preferred: N/A
Experience:
Required: Four years of related experience; or Master’s degree in one of the life sciences, plus two years of related experience.
Knowledge of experimental procedures, and general laboratory techniques. Knowledge of chemical formulas and solubility, ability to formulate and apply techniques needed to achieve desired results. Knowledge of techniques and protocols needed for experiments. Knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, and behavior, and ability to work with small laboratory animals.
Preferred: N/A
Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Basic scientific equipment ordinarily used in research laboratory work. Proficiency in use of computers and applicable software.
Special Job Requirements (such as hours, accuracy, special equipment and/or working conditions):
Proficiency in all phases of work. Work is performed primarily in a laboratory environment and office environment. Incumbent may be exposed to needle sticks, human blood and pathogens, toxic or caustic chemicals, radiation, odors or fumes, electrical current and animal handling. Incumbent must adhere to proper radiological procedures and use appropriate protective devices in performance of the duties.
Other:
If this is a supervisory position, the incumbent is expected to complete required supervisory training; orient, train and develop subordinates; provide appropriate coaching, guidance and supervision to subordinates; and complete annual performance evaluations.
Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification may render the position security sensitive; thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215 Texas Education Code.
Responsible for duties as assigned relating to internal controls including safe-guarding of department assets, reliability of department financial information, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior written approval of the Assistant Vice President, Human Resources Management.
Last Updated: July 24, 2007
