RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

SUMMARY:

The Research Technician is responsible for the preparation, maintenance, and care of a research laboratory, and assisting in laboratory experiments. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Prepares laboratory equipment, supplies and chemicals for research tests.

Removes organ, tissue, or blood from animals.

Secures and refines test materials by dehydration, dilution, embedding, sectioning, centrifuging, or other test means.

Extracts needed portion of test materials and adds chemicals for further reaction of material.

Reads, calculates, and records test data using a spectrophotometer, microscope, or other lab equipment.

Makes recommendations to supervisor on modification of test procedures.

Maintains, cleans, and sterilizes laboratory instruments and equipment.

Cleans laboratory glassware and equipment and cares for research animals.

Orders and inventories materials in order to maintain supplies.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of procedures and equipment used in standard research laboratory tests. Knowledge of chemicals used in test analysis. Ability to set up equipment and prepare chemicals for laboratory tests. Ability to provide maintenance and care of laboratory and test animals. Ability to record test results and define test findings. Ability to perform procedurized tests and analysis and to assist in surgical procedures on animals.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus one year of experience in performing tests in a research laboratory.

Additional requirements determined by the institution for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.