Job Description
Title:
Research Assistant I
Job Class Code:
4414
Summary:
Function & Scope: This position provides routine technical assistance in performing assigned and delegated tasks in support of research projects. Responsibilities include assisting or conducting a variety of scientific experiments and research projects of limited complexity, collecting, evaluating and interpreting data for clinical and diagnostic research.
NOTE: This position is not for use for student "Research Assistant" positions; see A & P Job Code 634
Essential Functions:
Typical Essential Functions include but are not limited to the following:
- Maintains laboratory and equipment in good working condition in support of research endeavors.
- Conducts a wide variety of research experiments according to protocol using advanced equipment and complex techniques, methods and procedures.
- Collects, evaluates and interprets research data to provide needed information to principal investigators and other researchers to include quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Conducts biopsies, isolates cultures, and prepares reagents.
- Coordinates the research or lab related efforts of students, physician and technicians.
- Standardizes equipment, test procedures and quality controls, coding information, converts one unit of measure to another, interprets data and development new research techniques.
Marginal Functions:
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision:
Received: Work is performed under close supervision of the Principal Investigator, faculty member or other designated official as necessary and follows established practices and procedures in the performance of a majority of assigned duties.
Given: May provide general supervision over students in the performance of their duties.
Education:
Required: Bachelor’s degree in a life science
Preferred: N/A
Experience:
Required: No Experience required. 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 sterile techniques. Knowledge of and ability to use laboratory equipment. Ability to work with databases and demonstrate basic computer skills.
Preferred: N/A
Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Basic scientific equipment used in research laboratory work such as spectrophometer, spectrofluorometer, chromatograph, electrophoresis, and microcomputer and personal computer.
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: March 26, 2010
