"Undergraduate Research Assistant III - LUCOM"

Job Details

The Undergraduate Research Assistant- Level 3 (URA3), will assist with department-related grant-funded research projects for the duration of the grant. The URA3 works under direct supervision of a Principal Investigator (PI) and/or Research Technician (RT). The URA3 is assigned duties and carries out research objectives and tasks as outlined by the PI based on the active grant(s)/contract(s). URA3 will be expected to be familiar with guidelines and protocols for lab safety and have an excellent grasp of lab manuals and laboratory terminology. URA3 must be capable to perform routine tasks outlined by the Principal Investigator related to a particular area of research. It is a position which will also be responsible for assisting URA1s and URA2s with work related to the grant. After demonstrating the ability to work independently, URA3 will be permitted to conduct routine experiments, field and laboratory tests, monitor record keeping, summarize results, and present them in a format requested by the Principal Investigator, including, but not limited to tables, charts, and graphs. In addition, under the supervision of PI or RT, URA3 should be proficient in use of lab equipment and able to assist other URAs with troubleshooting, maintaining, testing and calibrations of the equipment used for the particular grant. Off-hours and weekend work may be required.

• Work effectively using sterile technique and maintaining cell cultures. Performing and understanding experimental design including hypothesis testing and proper controls, immunology-especially related to human mast cells and cancer immunotherapy.
• Perform various laboratory techniques including FACS, enzyme assays, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, animal studies and others as needed.
• Help in keeping laboratory well maintained, clean, organized, and supplies ordered.
• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering the mission of Liberty University
• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; contribute to determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects
• Participate in formulating research methods and suggesting options for improving quality and recommending solutions; identify problems and related technical issues leading to long-term solutions by identifying technical approaches for problem solving
• Coordinate data collection and screening and verify data; conduct analysis of data, interpret and implement research methodology based on outcome of analysis.

Additional information may be found here

The above statements describe the approximate nature of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive description of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel with this classification. The job description may alter depending on the nature of the grant/contract that is being fulfilled.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering Liberty University’s mission Serve as the point of contact for all URAs for items related to lab safety and operational procedures associated with particular laboratory equipment and techniques related to the grant Based on the guidance adopted by the PI for lab tools and techniques, supervise accurate record keeping of conducted research tasks for the work performed by Undergraduate Research Assistants of all levels Organize work, collect and assist with data analysis, make calculations, and participate in preparation of the official grant reports Perform assigned tasks with minimal oversight by the Principal Investigator and/or assigned Research Technician. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, tasked by PI and or RT to fulfill small portions of the research without supervision Demonstrate proficiency in preparing materials for publications and presentations and serve as the resource to URA1s and URA2s in these areas Consult URA1s and URA2s in preparation of progress reports. Meet with faculty supervisor to maintain an ongoing assessment of the performance Perform other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of five semesters completed
• Successful completion of 16 credit hours of 300-400 level courses in the associated field of research or equivalent knowledge of the material and techniques covered in the content
• 3.0 or higher GPA preferred (at PI discretion)
• 2+ years research related experience preferred
• Interested in pursuing research at the graduate level

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner
• Communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates
• Ability to effectively lead a team of lower level Research Assistants
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems primarily of a complex nature
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in at least two areas, i.e. such as operating instrumentation such as a SEM and subject matter knowledge such as Heat Transfer

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Excellent dexterity to facilitate precise handling of extremely small volumes of solutions and to perform animal surgeries.
• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork, type on a keyboard, and complete research-related assays.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs (3 flights) to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 20 or fewer pounds.
• No aversion or health concerns with working around small rodents.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment of this position is a climate-controlled laboratory setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate. Other environments may include a machine shop to prepare components or an onsite visit to a local vendor.

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid state-issued driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance are required.

Target Hire Date
2025-10-01

Time Type
Part time

Location
Lynchburg - In Office