Biology Technician - Department of Ophthalmology

The Department of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Biology Technician.

About the Opportunity

This position will provide assistance to the Principal Investigator (PI) and other lab members with the everyday operations of the lab. This position responds to inquiries and resolves matters of relatively low complexity. Responsibilities require some basic decision making and resourcefulness within available guides and precedents. Work effort impacts client services, program and project image, with nominal liabilities.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• Maintains and genotypes animal colonies.
• Prepares reagents as needed by the lab staff.
• Process orders for laboratory supplies.
• Prepare solutions and materials for laboratory experiments.
• Assist PI and other investigators in the laboratory with their experiments, as needed.
• Keep detailed records of research data, written and computerized logs of mouse colony censuses, material safety data sheets, and chemical inventories.
• Document, analyze, and present experimental results and discuss findings.
• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related science field
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in the following:
  
  
  
  • Biological research laboratory setting
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication, time management, organizational, and self-motivation skills.
• Skilled at using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Knowledge of using and preparing cell culture media, aseptic techniques, general microbiological procedures, and relevant molecular biology protocols.
• Knowledge of general laboratory terminology. Knowledge of medical terminology would be helpful.
• Ability to measure volumes and/or weights of chemicals and apply mathematical concepts to calculate concentrations (in molar units) and prepare solutions according to precise specifications.
• Ability to operate general laboratory equipment (i.e., pH meter, scales, pipet, centrifuges, etc.) and the willingness and ability to learn new techniques, procedures, or protocols and apply them in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to gather, understand, and implement technical protocols from current literature.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to maintain records and inventories
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to use tools, including wrenches, to perform assembly or standard mechanical repairs of laboratory equipment.

• This position may or may not require Medical Monitoring, including periodic health monitoring and/or training.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.