DESCRIPTION
The Veterinary Assisted Reproduction Laboratory (
NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Junior Specialist has a focus on a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research and clinical projects. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Junior Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, and supply input into the planning of research and educational programs.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary functions of this position are to provide scientific, research, and clinical support to the laboratory. The position will involve interdisciplinary studies focusing on in vitro embryo production of equine and bovine embryos.
Responsibilities for this position include assisting in the clinical ICSI/IVF program, client communication, conducting research projects, and providing assistance to students and researchers in the laboratory. The Junior Specialist is also required to be actively and significantly involved in general laboratory tasks such as ordering materials, record keeping, lab safety, and archiving samples.
I. RESEARCH (90%)
This position requires creative contributions and collaborative development of an active research program investigating the different methods of in vitro fertilization, sperm preparation for in vitro fertilization, oocyte maturation, embryo development, embryo manipulation, cell culture, cell modification and genomic analysis. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator and collaborate with personnel affiliated with research activities or initiate research projects, involving in vitro fertilization, molecular techniques such as extracting RNA, DNA and protein from cell lines and tissue, conducting standard assays such as PCR, culturing mammalian cell lines, liquid nitrogen archival and storage, preparing samples for genomic and proteomic analysis, and other such laboratory duties as may arise. The candidate will help to maintain and expand the clinical service of the laboratory in consultation with the laboratory manager and director. Responsibilities also include keeping track of laboratory supplies, keeping track of client materials, maintaining a database of all laboratory supplies and purchases, and maintaining detailed inventory and freezer logs of laboratory reagents/materials. The candidate will follow standard operating procedures and maintain a clean and orderly working environment in the laboratory and will help or aid other lab members in the performance of their work. The candidate is also required to assist in the clinical research conducted in the laboratory, including semen collection and analysis, oocyte aspiration, and embryo transfer. The candidate may work with students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including method development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments.
The candidate will assist with the preparation of manuscripts and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other outlets in collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team.
The candidate will assist in the acquisition of funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and give oral presentations to the public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions.
III. UNIVERSITY & PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The Junior Specialist will participate in training activities, such as mentoring undergraduate students. The candidate may participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as deemed appropriate by the PI.
