Description
The Research Assistant I provides high quality peri- and post-operative care of canines after experimental surgeries. Serves as a surgical assistant (scrub nurse) or a circulating non-sterile surgical assistant during the surgeries. Peri-operative responsibilities will include preparation of all surgical, urodynamic and electrophysiological equipment and monitoring and annotation of anesthesia level, vital signs and data collection during the surgeries.  Post-operative responsibilities will include intensive, daily monitoring of all of the animals (e.g. daily notes, frequent vital sign collection), monthly functional electrical stimulation of the implanted electrodes performed post operatively for the length of the experiments, and other technical aspects of the project as it pertains to the animals. This individual will also aid in assessing and assembling voiding behavioral data garnered from the continuous video-taping of the dogs during their recovery periods, as well as muscle strip contractility studies, tissue cryo-sectioning and histological staining (these latter skills are not required, as we can train the individual in these methods). Responsibilities include complex analysis, assuring compliance with regulations pertaining to the experiments being performed, performing literary research, and participating in the development of research protocols.

Responsibilities include: Perform surgery, histology or other tests on animals used for preparing all surgical, urodynamic and electrophysiological equipment under the general direction of a principal investigator or faculty member; monitoring and annotation of anesthesia level and vital signs; data collection during the surgeries, analysis and interpretation of experiment results, prepare detailed records and reports of procedures, observations, reactions, etc., intensive daily monitoring of all of the animals (e.g. daily notes, frequent vital sign collection); monthly bladder filling urodynamic studies performed post operatively for the length of these long-term experiments. Design and conduct research which requires the application of standardized professional and specialized techniques, procedures and criteria in carrying out a sequence of tasks related to assigned research projects; analyze and interpret results of experiments; provide direction, training, and supervision of research activities to other technicians and student workers engaged in experimentation; assist students in the performance of varied experiments; provide instruction in research techniques, equipment utilization, etc., record, compile, organize and interpret statistical and other complex technical data; maintain, assemble, adjust and repair a variety of sophisticated and complex laboratory equipment; contribute to discussions and evaluation of experimental results.

The Research Assistant I also may be responsible for supervising and organizing research projects or portions thereof under the general direction of a principal investigator or faculty member; is responsible for setting up and maintaining lab facilities including providing all needed material to students. Orders lab supplies and equipment, assess needs, maintain inventory, etc.; supports other technical aspects of this and other project as it pertains to the animals; conducts extensive survey of literature including summarizing of pertinent data; prepares various articles and/or manuals relating to research activity of publication; contributes as required to a project directed towards work-related musculoskeletal dysfunction studies in rats as well as smooth muscle strip contractility studies, tissue cryo-sectioning and histological staining. Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or certified veterinary technologist degree and at least 2 years of directly related research/laboratory experience.  A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills & Abilities:

Required skills and abilities

*Demonstrated computer skills, and proficiency with MS Office Suite to include MS Word and MS Excel.

*Demonstrated ability to perform basic histology techniques.

*Ability to work with canines in research setting.

*Demonstrated ability to assist with animal surgeries.

*Ability work both independently and in a team environment.

*Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to interact with a diverse population of faculty, students and staff.

*Strong organizational skills along with the ability to meet deadlines and be detail-oriented.

*Willingness to learn new methodologies.

Preferred

*Three or more years of experience; certified veterinary technologist

This is a grant funded position.

Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

In accordance with the City of Philadelphia’s mandate, all Temple University students, faculty, staff and contractors must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 15, 2021, unless they have a medical or religious exemption approved by the university.  An individual is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks or more following the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks or more following a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Individuals who do not meet the University’s vaccination or exception requirement by October 15, 2021 will be prohibited from working until proof of vaccination or an exception is provided.  For more information visit the university's Vaccines web page at https://www.temple.edu/coronavirus/vaccines.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

To obtain additional information about Temple University please visit our website at www.temple.edu. 

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You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University’s Campus Safety Services at 215-204-7900.

Primary Location: Pennsylvania-Philadelphia-Health Sciences Campus (HSC)-Medical Education and Research Building
Job: Staff
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day Job
Employee Status: Regular