HS Research Tech 3

Summary: Performs a range of standard to moderately advanced and complex research assignments in an ophthalmology/vision sciences research laboratory, following detailed protocols and parameters. Conducts technically sophisticated tests and procedures involving ocular tissues, cells, and animal models; prepares samples/specimens; and sets up/operates specialized laboratory equipment or cell culture systems. Independently executes assignments, provides preliminary data analyses and summaries to principal investigators, and may offer guidance and training to junior technicians, students, or interns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the setup, execution, and quality control of routine to complex experiments in ophthalmology research, including in vitro ocular cell cultures, ex vivo tissue preparations, animal models of eye disease (zebrafish and mice), or human sample processing, all within established protocol guidelines.
• Independently collects, compiles, manipulates, and analyzes research data, prepares preliminary reports, statistical summaries, and interpretations of results for investigators.
• Selects, modifies, adapts, or troubleshoots equipment and procedures to meet specific project needs in vision research; may contribute to the design of routine experiments, assay optimization, or development of testing protocols/instruments relevant to ocular studies.
• Participates in or provides input toward the development, refinement, and coordination of research protocols, data collection methods, or analysis pipelines specific to ophthalmology projects.
• Overseas and coordinates the utilization, calibration, maintenance, and inventory of ophthalmology research facilities, specialized equipment, and supplies to ensure operational readiness and compliance.
• Trains, instructs, and updates laboratory personnel (including students, technicians, or fellows) in specialized ophthalmology research techniques, safe equipment operation, and best practices for handling ocular samples.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to lower-level technicians or interns on assigned tasks, ensuring accuracy and adherence to protocols.
• Strictly adheres to laboratory safety, environmental, biosafety, and infection control standards, including proper handling of biohazards, animal tissues (if relevant), or human-derived samples.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned, such as literature reviews for protocol optimization or assisting with grant-related data preparation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Ability to maintain rigorous quality, safety, biosafety, and infection control standards in a health sciences research environment.
• Advanced working knowledge of complex research techniques, instrumentation, and equipment relevant to ophthalmology/vision research.
• Proficiency in scientific research software for data analysis, statistical summaries, image processing/quantification, and report preparation (e.g., ImageJ, GraphPad Prism, MATLAB, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of scientific research methodology, experimental design, and data interpretation in the context of ocular biology or disease.
• Ability to develop, adapt, or modify research protocols and data analysis approaches to address specific ophthalmology project goals.
• Knowledge of laboratory facility/equipment use, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting, particularly for vision-research related instruments.
• Strong ability to provide technical guidance, training, and updating others.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and coordination skills to manage multiple experiments and deadlines.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

•  Work may occasionally involve exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures (e.g., cold storage for samples), biohazards, dust, fumes, and chemical odors.
• Moderate physical activity required, including lifting up to 25 pounds (e.g., equipment or sample transport), extended periods of standing/walking, and precise manual dexterity for handling delicate ocular samples or operating fine instrumentation.
• Occasional exposure to potentially hazardous materials or situations (e.g., biological tissues, animal models, or laser-based imaging systems), requiring adherence to extensive safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

See the Position Description for additional information.

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Annual TB testing may be required if working in a patient care area.

High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Bachelor's degree in biological science/vision science/related field, plus at least 5 years of directly related research experience in a laboratory setting (ophthalmology, vision research, cell biology, molecular biology or equivalent preferred).
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with ophthalmology-specific techniques or equipment (e.g., ocular imaging, tissue histology, and cell culture of ocular lineages) is highly desirable.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.