Research Technician

99777BR

Campus: Tempe

Research Technician

Job Description

The goal of the Balmer Lab is to discover how brain circuits function and how they contribute to hearing and balance.  The Balmer lab investigates synapses, cells, and circuits on multiple levels of analysis, including electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, behavior, and viral tracing to study the synapses, cells, and circuits that underlie hearing and balance. Please see balmerlab.com. The Research Technician will have a critical role in 1) learning and performing the techniques of the lab, 2) lab safety, 3) mouse colony management, and 4) assisting in training other lab members. Research technicians in the Balmer lab are expected to lead and contribute to research projects that result in authorships on peer-reviewed papers.

Research technicians in the Balmer lab are expected to lead or contribute to research projects that are ongoing in the lab. This work is likely to result in their authorship on peer-reviewed papers.

Job Family

Research & Laboratory

Department Name

Sols Administration & Faculty

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$20.40 per hour

Essential Duties

• Learn, apply and teach methods essential for the Balmer lab: electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, tissue sectioning, transcardiac perfusion, microscopy, data analysis.
• Maintain an active transgenic mouse colony: mouse handling/breeding/husbandry, setting up crosses, recording litters, tissue collection and lysis for genotyping, weaning pups.
• Maintain records for purchasing, maintain lab equipment, and ensure biosafety protocols are being used in the laboratory. Package waste material and arrange for disposal according to established procedures. 
• Organize reagents and materials. Maintain supply inventory. Maintain cleanliness of the lab.
• Train students in the operation of equipment, protocols, and performance of technical procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Four years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

Characteristics/qualities:
Curious, motivated, honest, quick learner, strong technical abilities, organized, detail oriented.

Relevant knowledge base:
Neuroscience, physiology, biology, scientific method.

Skills
Basic: Effective communication, critical thinking, mouse handling, organization, solution preparation, computer skills

Advanced: Immunohistochemistry, extracellular or intracellular electrophysiology, stereotaxic brain injections, programming, animal behavior experience

Working Environment

Activities are performed in an office, lab setting and in the field subject to extended periods of field work, sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse, and standing for varying lengths of time. May be required to wear personal protective equipment before entering laboratories such as lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, closed toe shoes, and respirator. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds. Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions. This position receives regular review of objectives by department administrator.

Department Statement

The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of whales. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume and cover letter should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.