LUCOM Research Assistant

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The Research Assistant will work on department‑related grant‑funded research projects that will be for a fixed time period. The position works under direct supervision on research projects as assigned and carries out research objectives and tasks as outlined by the Principal Investigator based on grants/contracts. The Research Assistant will be expected to follow guidelines and protocols for lab operations as well as have an understanding of laboratory manuals and laboratory terminology.

A Research Assistant will be required to contribute in experiments, field and laboratory tests by monitoring, recording and summarizing results, which could include preparing tables, charts, graphs and basic statistical data analysis. The Research Assistant will also be required to present at research meetings and contribute to the writing of research findings. In addition, this individual will need to use, clean, and maintain equipment, maintain supplies, and prepare equipment for testing.

Off hours and weekend work may be required.

• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission
• Apply standard scientific practices, techniques, and methods as appropriate for specific situation, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related detailed steps or processes
• Contribute to cancer immunology experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others working in related technical areas; may include measurements and recording of observations, collecting, compiling and processing of data
• Organize data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations
• May coordinate operational activities in a research laboratory, providing support services to researchers and technicians
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards for lab operations to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory
• Coordinate ordering, maintaining appropriate inventory, storage, and maintenance of supplies, lab ware, and instruments essential to the operation of the lab
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

None.

Education and Experience

• Required: High school diploma, associate degree, completion of a substantial body of undergraduate biology/biomedical course work, and/or 6-months of work experience in a scientific environment are desired.
• Preferred: Skills in immunology-based lab, such as tissue culture, mouse work, tissue digestion, and related preferred.

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing using MS-Word.
• 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.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
• Perform scientific reasoning and analyses involving routine laboratory procedures.

• Operate laboratory and experimental testing equipment.
• May assist in surgical procedures on small animals.
• 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.