Research Technician

Job Description

The Research Technician is primarily responsible for performing laboratory tests and analyses under the direction of a lab manager or research scientist. Duties include, but are not limited to, specimen management, specimen pipetting, instrument operation/maintenance, data entry, specimen storage, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensuring all laboratory equipment and work areas are clean, sterile, and in proper working order. Applicant may be responsible for calibration of instruments and conducts routine tasks as directed. Works under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.

Level I – Minimum

• Perform sample preparation steps which may include specimen pipetting with a high degree of accuracy and precision
• Provide support as an instrument operator to both BioPharma and Clinical projects
• Execute supervised experiments adhering to protocols.
• Perform reagent and material preparation for testing
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies, reagents and materials needed for testing
• Document remedial action, troubleshooting, quality assurance activities and instrument maintenance
• Adhere to established processing timelines
• Perform data queries of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Backup to Research Lab Assistant as volume / need requires. For example:
• Custom labelling of samples
• Retrieve and catalog samples for testing
• Properly store specimens for short term and long term storage
• Perform cleaning and maintenance duties for laboratory spaces and instrumentation
• Accurately prepare, label and store reagents, standards, controls and patient specimens for analytical, clinical and biopharma validations analysis and short and long-term storage
• Calibrate and maintain all assigned laboratory equipment and instruments according to standard operating procedures to ensure quality results
• Adhere to all quality and safety standards, as well as ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies
• Operate all laboratory equipment and instruments according to standard operating procedures to ensure quality results
• Adhere to policies and protocols in the lab
• Disposes of bio hazardous materials, chemical waste, sharp and other potentially hazardous materials according to regulations
• Review daily run documentation for completeness and accuracy with provided reviewer guidelines.
• Keep accurate documentation of all research project steps according to Viracor Eurofins regulatory guidelines
• Work closely and communicate with other lab associates to complete daily activities efficiently
• Represent department and the organization favorably and in accordance with established Company standards and associate attributes at all times
• Other duties as assigned by management

Level II – Minimum – Fully meets the responsibilities of Level I plus the following:

• Learn new techniques and instrumentation
• Function as an independent instrument operator on multiple platforms for both BioPharma and Clinical projects
• Execute higher complexity experiments adhering to protocols with limited supervision.
• Trainer of instrument operators.
• Review validation reports, standard operating procedures and study-specific work instructions for completeness and accuracy with provided reviewer guidelines.
• Accurate pipetting and bench-level skills (i.e., pipette standard curves to within accurate limits stated in procedure manual)
• Represent department and the organization favorably and in accordance with established Company standards and associate attributes at all times
• Other duties as assigned by management

• BS or BA in biological, physical, chemical or clinical laboratory science

• Willingness to work with potentially infectious human blood and other bodily fluids
• Ability to work with automated and manual platforms
• Must possess skills required for aseptic techniques
• Intermediate level of proficiency with PC based software programs
• Ability to read, interpret, and comply with documents such as internal SOPs, operating and maintenance instructions, and company policies
• Position may require evening hours
• Goal oriented, with excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to interact effectively and work efficiently with people at all levels in the organization
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Keenly attentive to detail
• Ability to keep sensitive information confidential
• Intermediate level of proficiency with PC based software programs with database skill preferred

Additional Information

As a Eurofins employee, you will become part of a company that has received national recognition as a great place to work. We offer excellent full-time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid holidays and vacation, personal days, and dental and vision options.

• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other office equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead
• Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time as necessary in the laboratory (4 or more hours)
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 15 pounds
• Physical dexterity sufficient to move body frequently around laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer for extended periods of time (4 or more hours)
• Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work environment may consist of exposure to infectious disease, bio hazardous and hazardous materials, and regulated medical waste.

With over 30 years of specialized expertise in infectious disease, immunology and allergy testing for immunocompromised and critical patients, Viracor Eurofins is committed to helping medical professionals, transplant teams, reference labs and biopharmaceutical companies get results faster, when it matters most. Viracor is passionate about delivering value to our clients by providing timely, actionable information — never losing sight of the connection between the testing we perform and the patients we serve.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.