"Research Technician II - Animal Comparative Medicine & Pathology"

Research Technician II - Animal Comparative Medicine & Pathology

Title: Research Technician II - Animal Comparative Medicine & Pathology

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: Lab of Comparative Pathology

Work Days: Monday-Friday

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $25.34 - $32.36
*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

This role is part of the Lab of Comparative Pathology (LCP) Histology Team and supports high-quality veterinary diagnostic and research outcomes. Candidates will operate tissue processors and embedding centers. They will use a microtome to section animal tissues in paraffin blocks for slide mounting and are responsible for performing slide staining using both manual and automated processes.

In addition to the standard job responsibilities listed below, this position will be specifically responsible for:

• Performing routine histologic procedures: Embedding of specimens in paraffin wax, sectioning using a microtome, staining of tissue slides, cover slipping
• Operating automated slide stainers
• Manually stain tissue slides with special stains and immunohistochemistry stains
• Preparing frozen tissue specimens and frozen sections using a cryostat
• Communicating directly with customers and pathologists to achieve high quality results
• Maintaining and troubleshooting lab equipment
• Preparing solutions required for any histological examination
• May perform accessioning and grossing of specimens
• Keeping track of specimens in Laboratory Information System
• Performing other duties as assigned

Job Responsibilities

• Independently or semi-independently, designs and carries out experiments. Analyzes and interprets experimental results and provides input related to subsequent experimental designs.
• Evaluates, recommends, and develops new techniques to assist in overall laboratory efficiency.
• Conducts library research and literature searches using various computer systems. Assists in editing scientific publications, abstracts and posters.
• Provides working supervision to junior laboratory staff as needed.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new investigators, fellows, residents, and technical staff in the use of equipment, products and experimental techniques.
• Responsible for tissue & cell culture activities.
• May run routine biochemistry assays including western blotting and RT-PCR.
• Audits and screens vendors/suppliers to evaluate the quality of products and equipment they supply. Corresponds with them for technical support pertaining to those products.
• Prepares and maintains detailed records, logs and summary reports of all procedures and results including graphs, scientific calculations, and statistical analysis charting.
• May perform routine molecular biology laboratory procedures, such as PCR, protein and DNA electrophoresis, cloning and DNA preparation.
• May perform microscopic imaging analyses.
• Ensures a clean working area and is responsible for washing and storing glassware.
• May be responsible for animal husbandry, genotyping, surgeries, post-operative care, behavioral testing, sectioning and histology.
• Ensures that safe laboratory practices are followed, including the use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment and/or reagents. May order supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensure that needs are escalated appropriately. Receives supply orders and confirms accuracy of delivery. May assist with cost control.
• Ensures that facilities and equipment are in optimal and proper working condition. Coordinates preventative maintenance and repairs as needed. May perform minor repairs if qualified and as needed. May advise on upgrades for performance enhancements.
• May be responsible for the receipt, storage, cataloguing and shipment of samples within and between institutions.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree

Experience

• Approximately 2 years of related work experience within a laboratory.
• Minimum six months experience using microtome to cut paraffin blocks.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work flexible hours.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands
Standard laboratory conditions; This position may handle radioactive material and/or biologic materials from human subjects as required; This position may require standing or sitting for long periods of time; This role may require working within Biologic Safety Level 1, 2 and/or 3 facilities