Research Technician IV (Extended Temporary)

Leads in the planning, design, set-up and disassembly of complex experimental systems. Selects, adapts, and implements procedures, and standards to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality control of the laboratory operation and supports compliance activities with federal, state, and university regulations and standards. Designs primers, plasmids, and chimeric receptors in silico by selecting and optimizing appropriate molecular designs. Independently follows, evaluates, and adapts detailed protocols for PCR, and other molecular biology techniques to construct plasmids and bacterial strains, resolving complex technical issues with experimental design and execution. Develops detailed protocols for the fluorescent, and luminescent reporting of bacterial signaling by independently designing and adapting current laboratory protocols for high throughput screening and developing advanced controls and standards for the generation and analysis of largescale, complex data. Works collaboratively with plant scientists and computational scientists to lead interpretation of complex data, analyze results, and interpret protein structure data, providing technical input to experimental design decisions. Maintains and organizes comprehensive records, observations, data analysis and interpretations of experimental results for effective team science. Prepares detailed technical reports, summaries, and protocols that document methods, performance, and reliability of experimental systems. Oversees and performs critical aspects of laboratory maintenance, including cleaning and sterilization of labware used for research, preparation of sterile media, buffers, and laboratory stock reagents, and the setup, monitoring, troubleshooting, and long-term optimization of bacterial cultures. Knowledge, Skills Abilities Knowledge of bacterial physiology. Skills culturing bacteria and with sterile technique. Knowledge fluorescent and luminescent assays. Skills with bacterial genetics (e.g. PCR, analyzing sequence and genome data). Skills in detail-oriented notetaking. Ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly and promptly with team members and supervisors. Ability to perform experiments and analyze experimental data independently.