Red Sea Research Center - Biological Cultures Technician

Position Summary
Responsible for the maintenance of the microbial cultures and conducting associated analyses at the Red Sea Research Center. The daily tasks include: cultivation of microorganisms, visualization through flow cytometry and microscopy; training of new researchers in the flow cytometry, microscopy, and associated analytical facilities; purchasing of new material and instruments, and interactions with service providers; creation and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); isolation and identification of novel cultures, cryopreservation of different strains; analyses of Total Organic Carbon.

Major Responsibilities

• Supporting RSRC researchers in the use and culture of microorganisms.
• Maintain, characterize, curate, and catalog RSRC biological collections of microorganisms.
• Isolate micro-organisms and maintain microbial culture collections including, but not limited to, growing frozen bacteria and preserving existing cultures.
• Develop, write, and revise document templates and SOPs relevant to microorganisms and their cultures. Implement and ensure SOPs are followed while adhering to laboratory safety policies.
• Address and resolve any malfunctions of relevant equipment or facilities.
• Ensure availability of relevant supplies and reagents.
• Maintain and operate: microscopes, spectrophotometers, TOC analyzers, flow cytometers, liquid nitrogen freezers and dewars, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, and other relevant equipment.
• Work closely with faculty groups to assist and advise on best methods available related to the above equipment.
• Train researchers and visitors on developing cultures and use of microscopes and flow cytometers.
• Curate RSRC microorganism collections and supervise access terms.
• Provide coverage for RSRC Lab Manager during absence or as require.
• Assist with Engineering Job Requisition (EJR) requests, calibrations, and safety issues for relevant equipment and facilities.

Competencies

• Have demonstrable expertise and independent working knowledge in marine prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell cultures.
• Good knowledge on standard light microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team player.
• Be able to interpret data and meet strict guidelines on documentation when recording data.
• Have solid understanding of lab methods, method development, and validation.
• Use analytical techniques and instrumentation such as spectrofluorometers and organic carbon analyzers.
• Be able to troubleshoot and conduct basic equipment repair.
• Provide basic equipment/facility/computational training to users.
• Be able to develop and write SOPs.
• Be well versed in general laboratory skills such as following safety procedures and SOPs, neatness, documentation, following written methods and instructions.
• Have solid written and oral communication skills in English.
• Experience in working with microbial culture collections.
• Experience with microscopes and flow cytometers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering with demonstrated relevant expertise
• Master of Science/Engineering preferred
• Microbiology background with at least 5 years of experience in microbiology labs preferred
• Solid knowledge and handling skills of diverse database resources to identify microorganisms.