The Research Technician I 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 Technician I will be expected to follow guidelines and protocols for lab operations as well as have an understanding of lab manuals and laboratory terminology. A Research Technician I 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 Technician I 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.
Below is a brief description of the project.
A Research Technician-I position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Price to assist in studies of the genetic regulation of fungal pathogenesis, secondary metabolism, and host-pathogen interactions.The incumbent in this position will be supervised daily and will be expected to work with more independence once proficiency with laboratory techniques have been documented. Examples of duties associated with this position include the following:

• Performing technical duties involved in microbiology or molecular biology tests/experiments.
• Preparing, handling, and caring for lab animals.
• Obtaining, preparing, mounting, and staining tissue, cultures, and other substances for microscopic examinations.
• Preparing culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions.
• Performing routine laboratory maintenance, nucleic acid extractions, DNA cloning, PCR (standard and quantitative), agarose gel electrophoresis, bacterial and fungal transformations, and cell culture techniques.

The above statements describe the approximate nature of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive description of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel with this classification.The job description may alter depending on the nature of the grant/contract that is being fulfilled.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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 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
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience
High school diploma, associate degree, completion of a substantial body of undergraduate biology course work, and/or 6-months of work experience in a scientific environment are desired.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension

• 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.

Problem Solving

• 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.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled laboratory setting.It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.
Regular (daily) exposure to rodent allergens is possible.Rodent allergic reactions may be prohibitive to this position.
Driving Requirements
Use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.Proof of a valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.