Research Specialist- Crespo

Essential Job Duties

Join the Poultry Health and Management Laboratory as a Research Assistant under the direction of Dr. Rocio Crespo. In this versatile role, the successful candidate will look after research animals, oversee laboratory procurement and inventory, prepare media, trim tissues for histology, and perform basic microbiology and clinical pathology analyses. Beyond technical execution, this person will assist with the distance learning project leading to certification in Poultry medicine and support the next generation of student researchers.

Research Support

• Supports scientific research by assisting in experiments, procedures, and/or tests; work requires mental concentration, visual attention, and extensive manipulative skills to comply with the research protocol.
• Independently observes and measures subjects (animals, produce, environment) and test variables as specified in the research protocol. Prepares study subjects for experimental procedures. Collects samples from animals and gathers accurate data.
• Prepares standard media, reagents, and chemical solutions used for testing purposes and the physical processing of specimens prior to testing.
• Performs basic molecular diagnostic assays, serologic and antigen detection assays, and microbial/bacteria isolation steps (this includes initial inoculation of samples, transfer from media to media). Prepare tissue samples for histology.
• Perform critical data analysis and interpretation, identifying trends and troubleshooting experimental variances.
• Actively contributing to manuscripts by drafting technical methodologies.

Lab Management

• Maintain laboratory organization, sample inventories, and freezer storage.
• Independently tracks and manages chemical and supply inventories; executes strategic procurement and formulates complex stock solutions.
• Maintains rigorous standards for laboratory hygiene (glassware, incubators, water baths) and oversee sterilization processes.
• Enforces strict adherence to biohazard disposal protocols and laboratory safety requirements
• Manages equipment maintenance schedules and independently performs quality control audits.
• Manages the formal record-keeping of laboratory protocols and assists with coordinating scheduling for students and visiting researchers

Mentorship & Collaboration

• Assists with the distance learning project leading to certification in Poultry medicine, including but not limited to translation from Spanish to English or vice versa, selection of appropriate faculty to answer student's questions, solving technical (computer) problems. proactive tracking of student progress and academic pacing to prevent students from falling behind.
• Support graduate and undergraduate research projects and actively participates in student teaching and laboratory instruction
• Partners with the research team to drive Dr. Rocio Crespo's laboratory objectives; serving as a primary liaison for the Clinical Studies Core and external laboratories to facilitate clinical trials.

Other Work/Responsibilities

Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Experience/Education

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Laboratory & Field Expertise: Strong hands-on experience working in both laboratory and field settings, with the ability to work independently or collaboratively while strictly following established research protocols.
• Animal Handling Skills: Practical, hands-on experience handling animals, with a specific and deep expertise in handling poultry (chickens and turkeys).
• Protocol & Publication Management: Proven track record of drafting, writing, and submitting IACUC protocols under PI direction, alongside experience in data analysis and drafting manuscripts for publication.
• Organization & Communication: Exceptional organizational and recordkeeping skills, paired with strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Language Proficiency: Fully proficient in Spanish, enabling effective communication in varied or bilingual research environments.