"Research Support Specialist"

Overview

The Research Support Specialist 4 provides professional research and technical support for diagnostic and research projects, studies, and experiments. This role involves maintaining and managing various instruments and equipment, calibrating and troubleshooting them, and ensuring accurate data collection and analysis. The specialist collaborates with researchers to develop and execute research plans, supports the preparation of reports and publications, and ensures laboratory safety protocols are followed. The role also includes training researchers in the use and maintenance of equipment, managing laboratory supplies, and participating in the development of innovative solutions to research problems.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Strong organizational and record-keeping skills, with an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
2. Excellent communication skills for training users and collaborating with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students.
3. Proficiency in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments and equipment.
4. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
5. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, equipment operation, and established protocols.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. PhD in a relevant scientific field or extensive relevant experience in laboratory management and instrument maintenance.
2. Experience with advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation, such as mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, or flow cytometry.
3. Proven ability to mentor and train research staff and students effectively.
4. Familiarity with remote sensing data products, GIS applications, and programming methods for data analysis.
5. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster productive partnerships with researchers and faculty.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Participates in the planning, conceiving, designing and implementation of highly specialized state of the art instrumentation equipment and apparatus for a multi-faceted research project
2. Solves engineering and design problems to ensure that equipment meets the objective of the study
3. Develops reports and proposals for research project outlining machinery available, direction of the design, and development of new instrumentation.
4. Determines available resources such as electrical and mechanical components and equipment.
5. Develops cost and time estimates for specific equipment design. Ensures time and cost estimates are met.
6. Supervises and monitors work of professionals and solicits consulting work from outside labs
7. Manages quality control of work performed on research projects.
8. Teaches research support theories and design.
9. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in a related field and five years of related experience in a research development facility or an equivalent combination of education and experience.