These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

Wet Lab Experiments: 

• Design new experiments and interpret results independently and in consultation with the PI and collaborative partners for the laboratory

• Carry out research protocols including: PCR, qPCR, -omics, immune staining, histological sectioning, staining, confocal microscopy, protein extractions, and Western blots.

• Modify existing and develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes; modify existing and develop new guidelines for procedures

• Modify existing protocols to improve existing techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures; search scientific literature to select, modify, and develop methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals

Support In Vivo Experiments and Pre-clinical Studies: 

• Conduct experimental studies in rodent models of musculoskeletal disease, including survival surgeries and drug administration via intra-articular joint injections.

• Assist with behavioral analyses in animals

• Collect and/or dissect specimens; examine specimens under microscope;

• Assist with the maintenance of rodent colonies

• Analyze datasets for research purposes; evaluate data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses

• Adjust experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis

Support Development of Lab Research Directions:

• Provide input for technical reports, research papers, scholarly articles, abstracts, or recommendations

• Consult with researchers and other professionals to conduct appropriate analyses, analyze problems, determine strategies, or recommend solutions

• Modify and develop new laboratory experiments; oversee their execution; and assist in reviewing, approving, or interpreting results

• Modify existing computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals

• Participate in biological research programs for academic collaborators, government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms

• Conduct biological research in accordance with stipulated protocols and quality and safety standards

• Perform scientific experiments for analysis and standardization

• Assist in reviewing databanks for new research findings and correlating with laboratory research findings in participating studies

• Compile data; create or use statistical models for the analysis of data

Lab Maintenance and Record Keeping: 

• Assist with the maintenance of IACUC and IRB protocols, serving as a proxy PI for the protocols when necessary.

 • Assure laboratory compliance with IACUC and animal care requirements, assisting with proper training of laboratory personnel and the maintenance of training records for the laboratory.

• Assist with chemical and biological waste management for the laboratory, helping to maintain stock logs of reagents, monitor chemical and biological waste collection areas, and assuring up to date MSD records for the laboratory.

• Maintain laboratory procedures related to safety for biological and chemical factors in the laboratory, including training new laboratory members in safety walkthroughs in the laboratory, assisting with the proper signage of risks in the laboratory, assuring PPE is up to date, and training personnel in key safety risks when needed.

• Provide routine maintenance on laboratory equipment; verify that equipment and instrumentation are maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results

• Assist in evaluating new supplies, technologies, and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings for enhancing or complementing research

• Maintain accurate laboratory records that record research methods, procedures, and results; prepare and maintain research findings, summaries, logs, and notes

• Assist in testing new and updated tools and software

Lab Coordination:

• Assist in directing, coordinating, and organizing biological laboratory activities.

• Assist in managing laboratory teams and/or monitoring the quality of a team’s work; assist in supervising or directing the work of other scientists, technicians, and other workers and evaluating the accuracy of their results; assist in teaching or advising undergraduate or graduate students or supervising their research

• Assist with instructing undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in methods or procedures

Other Duties:

• As assigned.