Summary

The Department of Pediatrics Division of Tropical Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician II to work in the Laboratory for Infectious Disease Epidemiology. This position will primarily support a tick pathogen screening program for the state of Texas. The technician filling this position will be expected to work with the public submitting ticks for screening, conduct molecular testing of samples, reporting results to submitters, and conduct record keeping for the study.

Job Duties

• Prepares and conducts laboratory research experiments.
• Collects, compiles and analyzes data.
• Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• Documents results of experiments.
• Selects, evaluates and applies techniques used in routine research.
• Orders laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Works with the public to coordinate submission of tick samples for molecular evaluation.
• Conducts laboratory-based evaluation of ticks submitted by the public. Techniques that include: species evaluation, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing.
• Analyzes and interprets PCR and sequencing data.
• Documents results of testing and maintains a database of laboratory findings.
• Reports testing results to the submitter.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science, epidemiology, or related field.
• Previous experience with tick identification is a plus.