1. Generates publication quality data using laboratory techniques, including: cell culture ;standard protein and nucleic acid electrophoresis and blotting techniques; standard molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extraction and quantification, subcloning, restriction analysis, and PCR-based amplification techniques; confocal microscopy; spectrometers (mass, fluorescents, and UV) and other emerging technology.
2. Ensures the function of the life sciences core facility by ensuring: the safety, cleanliness, and organization of the facility; needed supplies are in-stock and accessible to individuals using the facility; instruments are operational and properly utilized; and enforcing laboratory safety and housekeeping practices across all research facilities.
3. Manages the use of the life science core facility by: providing technical assistance and training to investigators, their students, and individuals associated with Spelman-funded projects (collaborators, technicians, research assistants, post-docs, etc.);conducting workshops and seminars on techniques and services offered in the facility; maintaining and routinely servicing multi-user equipment and inventory, including autoclave, cryotank, and low temp freezers. Calibrating laboratory instrumentation; establishing a coordinated system to improve the efficiency in the use of research spaces and related equipment, including but not limited to creating user logs and scheduling protocols for the use of the core facility; working with evaluations to establish protocols for analyzing the impact of the life sciences core and generating relevant reports; preparing routine correspondence and memoranda detailing the services of the facility and relevant announcements; and maintaining communication with stakeholders on the status of data acquisition, student training, and instrument upgrades and repair.
4. Expands the functionality of the life science core and ensure that techniques that reflect the current state of the science are being utilized by: coordinating with directors of core labs in the AUC at other institutions to expand the services of the core facility through increased access to the neighboring facilities; identifying new techniques and instrumentation that could be beneficial to Spelman College investigators and being proactive about receiving the training necessary to expand the services available in the core facility; attending seminars and conferences and completing specialized training and other appropriate professional development activities; and providing assistance in biomedical imaging and bio-computing areas.
5. Assists investigators across the division with the purchase, installation, and maintenance of equipment.
6. Supervises Core Laboratory technicians (position to be filled 2023-2024 fiscal year), Science Operations and Inventory Coordinator, and students.
7. Responds to after-hours emergencies occurring in the core facility and serve as backup to Science Operations and Inventory Coordinator.
8. Assists in preparing research proposals, publications, and presentations related to protocols utilized in the facility.
9. Manages the core laboratory budget by ordering related items and documenting expenditures.
10. Maintains records of repair and maintenance contracts on equipment.
11. Adheres to the safety regulations and procedures outlined by the College and is governed by state and federal guidelines.
12. Collaborates with the Environmental Health and Safety Manager to create and implement new safety protocols and serve as co-chair of the Science Center Safety sub-committee.
13. Coordinates laboratory and classroom upgrades (e.g., repair and maintenance of major lab equipment and replacement of workstations) and support the Office of the Provost with space allocation for the science center.
14. Identifies secondary facilities for sample storage and research activities that may be utilized in the event of an emergency that limits access to the science center.
15. Provides logistical support for events sponsored by the Office of Science Infrastructure.
DIMENSIONS
This position has direct accountability for the Repairs & Maintenance account of $20,000.