Research Technician

Research Technician,

UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research, and clinical care. A commitment to human health and well-being has been of utmost importance to UConn Health since the founding of the University of Connecticut schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine in 1961. Based on a strong foundation of groundbreaking research, first-rate education, and quality clinical care, we have expanded our medical missions over the decades.

In just over 50 years, UConn Health has evolved to encompass more research endeavors, to provide more ways to access our superior care, and to innovate both practical medicine and our methods of educating the practitioners of tomorrow.

This position is responsible for performing a variety of routine or repetitive basic laboratory duties in support of laboratory research. Generally involves tasks/techniques which require on-the-job training and draws largely upon practical knowledge and experience.

We seek a research Technician to work with both computational and experimental scientists on various projects in computational genomics and molecular biology. The candidate will study the function of transcription factors in cell cultures using molecular biology and genomics techniques. The majority of the candidate's time will be devoted to their independent project. The candidate will have flexibility to choose their research projects in the states areas, matched with close mentorship, and the ability to use their work to establish acdemic independence.

Works under close supervision; works under general supervision with acquired experience.

• Receives training in designated research protocols which involves basic technical laboratory techniques and procedures and the operation of laboratory equipment such as but not limited to, cryostat, microscope, etc.
• Assists research and laboratory personnel with experiments and procedures.
• Performs computer related tasks.
• Records and maintains accurate records utilizing computer database or manual methods and performs related clerical tasks, such as labeling, filing, inventories and requisition of supplies, tissue samples, etc.
• Trains and coordinates the activities of student workers.
• Performs equipment calibration and minor equipment maintenance such as but not limited to, pumps, compressors x-ray equipment, spectrophotometers, etc.
• Serves as a resource to other learning specific techniques and/or process.
• Organizes supplies, materials or equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

• Some knowledge of laboratory equipment, basic staining and slide procedures.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment/procedures.
• Some interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent computer skills with ability to perform accurate data entry.
• Ability to utilize computer software.
• Ability to follow instructions [verbal or written]; and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform simple calculations and keep simple technical records.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in a laboratory/medical setting.

• 4-year Degree and a master's degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, Applied Genomics or a related field.
• Experience in at least one of the following:
• Genomics; bioinformatics; molecular biology; high-throughput genome analysis;
  Python, R, or C programming.

• Deep understanding and experience with object-oriented programming languages.
• A record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in Genomics.

• May occasionally be required to lift standard laboratory equipment and supplies.
• May be exposed to risk from such elements as toxic vapor.

• This position is full-time, up to 40 hours per week. The schedule will be determined based on lab/department needs.

The duration of this appointment will be approximately one year.