Research Assistant 3

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This position is Benefit eligible; click here for an overview of available benefits.

This position is covered by the UHP Bargaining Unit; click here to review the current UHP Contract.

This position is in salary group UHP-08; click here to review the current UHP Pay Plan.

At the UConn Health, this class is accountable for performing the most complex tasks for assigned research projects, programs, segments in a research setting. We are seeking a highly interdisciplinary, motivated, and detail-oriented Research Assistant 3 to join our team in developing next-generation molecular diagnostic technologies. In this role, the Research Assistant will contribute to the design, fabrication, and testing of microfluidic platforms that integrate CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection. The position combines hands-on laboratory work with active involvement in research planning, data analysis, and documentation.

The role encompasses participation in the creation and refinement of microfluidic devices using CAD modeling, 3D printing, and related fabrication technologies. The Research Assistant will support CRISPR-based molecular assays and provide both technical and analytical contributions to ongoing research efforts.

Beyond experimental work, the position plays an important role in supporting research operations more broadly ranging from assisting with proposal and manuscript preparation to helping coordinate project milestones and budget tracking. The Research Assistant also supports the smooth functioning of the laboratory through oversight of supplies, reagents, equipment, and the maintenance of organized experimental records and data systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the limited supervision of an employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May lead lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Performs research projects independently
• May manage grants/budgets
• Researches literature in order to design experiments
• Plans and conducts experiments
• Performs data collection and interviewing
• Codes data, performs data analysis
• Contributes to sections of articles for research publication
• May perform surgical techniques on animals
• May prepare and maintain special media and cultures
• May draw blood
• May conduct a full range of chemical and microscopic tests and exams, and interpret the results
• May manage a laboratory
• May make solutions and chemical buffers
• Performs laboratory maintenance
• May train medical/dental students, post docs, fellows in related research techniques
• Performs related duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY:

• Considerable knowledge of relevant research protocols, principles and procedures
• Considerable knowledge of more advanced scientific techniques, such as electronmicrospy, gel electrophoresis, chromatography
• Considerable knowledge of experimental design, mathematics, statistics, computer applications, laboratory equipment and procedures
• Considerable knowledge of a science such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, pharmacology
• Knowledge of physical and data resources in applicable scientific discipline
• Oral and written communication skills, ability to identify, produce, organize, analyze, evaluate, interpret and report complex data

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

General Experience:

Bachelor's degree in the appropriate discipline, i.e., Biology, Medical Technology, Chemistry, Histology, Biochemistry, Psychology; plus two (2) years of research experience in a relevant discipline. Degrees in other areas may be substituted on a case by case basis.

SUBSTITUTION ALLOWED:

• College training in a relevant discipline may be substituted for the general experience on the basis of fifteen (l5) semester hours equaling one-half year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelors Degree.

• A Master's Degree in a relevant discipline, may be substituted for one (1) additional year of experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo periodic tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in appropriate discipline, i.e, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Journalism, or a related field. Degrees in other areas may be substituted on a case-by-case basis. At least two (2) years of prior experience in a biomedical research or biomedical engineering laboratory.
• Considerable knowledge of 3D printing and wax printing technologies for microfluidic chip design and fabrication.
• Extensive hands-on experience in biomedical research laboratory operations, including managing supplies, reagents, and equipment to ensure efficient day-to-day workflow.
• Strong understanding of CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection, isothermal amplification, and point-of-care molecular diagnostic technologies.
• Proficient in operating advanced laboratory instruments, such as 3D printers, PCR systems, and microscopes.
• Solid foundation in experimental design, data analysis, and statistics, with proficiency in computer applications for research data management and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability in research proposal development, scientific writing, and editing of technical documents.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Incumbents in this class may occasionally be required to lift heavy objects such as standard laboratory equipment and/or trays/boxes or glassware; may be exposed to such hazards as broken glass, toxic vapors, radioactive materials, and toxic or disease carrying substances.

SCHEDULE: Monday Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, 1 hour break. Flexibility may be required due to research needs, including some minor holidays and weekends.

Why UConn Health

UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research, and clinical care. A commitment to human health and well-being has been of utmost importance to UConn Health since the founding of the University of Connecticut schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine in 1961. Based on a strong foundation of groundbreaking research, first-rate education, and quality clinical care, we have expanded our medical missions over the decades. In just over 50 years, UConn Health has evolved to encompass more research endeavors, to provide more ways to access our superior care, and to innovate both practical medicine and our methods of educating the practitioners of tomorrow.