Graf Research Technical Assistant

Department
BSD ARC - GRAF
About the Department
The mission of the Animal Resources Center (ARC) is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at The University of Chicago is responsible for the use and care of all research animals on campus. The ARC manages 6 facilities and a business office. Its sections are as follows: husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance and administration. The unit merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities managing all of the BSD cores on campus.
Job Summary
GRAF Research Technical Assistant independently implements requests and transactions for the Gnotobiotics Research Animal Facility (GRAF) as delegated by the Clinical Veterinarian/Facility Supervisor. Provides routine laboratory duties and supports research projects under direct supervision. Assists members of the GRAF in preparing equipment for experiments, performs basic techniques, assists with building, sterilizing and recycling equipment and materials. Performs basic microbiology testing and other prescribed laboratory procedures.
Responsibilities

• Prepares bedding, food, water, and other stock materials, prepares autoclave cylinders with specified materials (bedding, food, water, experimental supplies).
• Prepares biological indicators for processing, set-up of autoclave cycle, quality assurance testing materials.
• May prepare sterilant's for use within the research facility, prepares materials for sterile assistant activities.
• Re-wraps filters on sterilization cylinders.
• Processes biological indicators for quality assurance.
• Prepares caging material for processing in autoclave.
• Assists with facility cleanliness and sanitization.
• Provides documentation of activities, assists with additional material preparation tasks as may be required.
• Provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.
• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• High School Diploma.

Experience:

• Previous experience in an academic environment, biomedical research or animal research setting.

Preferred Competencies

• Must demonstrate ability to work on more than one project at one time and meet deadlines.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.
• Detailed and organized and respect confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff within the department.
• Some basic mechanical skills (use of screwdrivers, wrenches, industrial autoclave units).

Working Conditions

• Ability to work for weekend and holiday schedules - one day per weekend schedule.
• Predominantly a standing and active position.
• Requires a fair amount of walking to different facilities on campus, also entails extensive writing, typing, and computer skills.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Frequency
Biweekly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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