TITLE: Senior Research Technician I
REPORTING TO: Senior Scientist/Lab Head
LOCATION: Center for Biomedical Research, New York, NY
JOBS SUPERVISED: N/A
ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: Indefinite
POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Research Technician I will manage and conduct sperm motility analysis and other sperm function testing as part of male contraception/andrology lab at CBR. Responsible for setting up the lab and perform compound screening to select high potency antisperm compounds for topical contraception. The individual will be responsible for specimen procurement and managing overall conduct, including data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results to the CBR staff involved in the project.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Manage and conduct routine and specialized laboratory procedures such as sperm motility analysis, mucus penetration testing and other sperm function tests as per standard protocols. (20%)
2. Recruit, schedule and obtain consent from specimen donors as per the need of the lab. Provide instructions to donors for proper specimen collection. (5%)
3. Prepare specimens for analysis, perform analyses following written procedures. Analyses may include normal semen analysis, counting motile and nonmotile sperm in the presence of test compounds, and sperm-mucus penetration testing. (20%)
4. Provide expert advice on purchasing the right equipment for sperm analysis by microscopic analysis and computer assisted sperm analysis. Train other lab staff on using the equipment for sperm analysis. (5%)
5. Conduct analysis and prepare reagents or media using established written procedures, making adjustments as needed. (5%)
6. Identify and address problems, including root cause analysis and determining solutions in situations where existing criteria are not available. Perform routine quality control and quality assurance procedures established and adopted by the laboratory. (10%)
7. Draft method protocols, analytical reports and progress reports as needed. Provide updates in internal and external meetings. (10%)
8. Provide input and advice on the method development, validation and troubleshooting for the lab. This includes new method development for the sperm function tests. (20%)
9. Maintain up-to-date, detailed lab notebooks by following the SOP on laboratory notebooks. Provide project updates to the Principal Investigator(s) on the assigned projects. (5%)
QUALIFICATIONS:
We understand that there are many paths to acquiring expertise and experience and strong candidates may not have every qualification listed here. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse and/or nontraditional backgrounds who bring passion, skills, and experience in many or most of these areas.

1. Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, science or chemistry and 3-5 years (with bachelor's degree) or 1-3 years (with Master's degree) of relevant experience.
2. Experience in andrology lab related techniques and routine semen analysis required.
3. Proficiency in human semen/sperm sample preparation for motility assessment.
4. Advanced laboratory tests for human sperm functions and fertilizing capacity.
5. Basic knowledge of quality control and quality assurance procedures.
6. Must be able to conduct technical work with minimum supervision from lab head and exercise independent judgement and responsibility in carrying out laboratory work.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills for effective donor interactions, including recruiting, scheduling, and obtaining consent from specimen donors.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary range between $52,000-$60,000 annually, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. Excellent benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance available immediately upon hire;
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution equal to 12% of annual salary (up to a maximum salary of $200,000) after one year of employment;
• 24 annual and 12 sick days per year (accrued semi-monthly) *
• Approximately 10 paid holidays;
• 13 weeks of paid parental leave;
• Educational assistance*
• College tuition support for dependents**

We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development.
*Pro-rated for part-time staff who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
**Employees must work full-time to be eligible for this benefit
Application Deadline: May 3, 2024
When applying through the web portal please attach your CV and Cover Letter in Word or PDF format.
The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of country offices. We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in this position, please apply at: http://www.popcouncil.org/employment/index.asp .
The Population Council provides equal opportunity; it does not discriminate against any person with regard to age, color, creed, national origin, disability, political belief, veteran status, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual's qualifications as related to the position for which they are being considered. The Council especially encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups including but not limited to Black people and people of African descent, Indigenous people, people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, including people who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender expansive, people with disabilities, first-generation college graduates, and those from communities with the most to gain from expanded access to sexual and reproductive health services and information. The Population Council is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities.