Research Technician II or III

GSS is seeking a Research Technician II or III to support the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) Burn and Soft Tissue Research Support Services (BSTR), located at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX. GSS provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to USAISR. US Citizenship is required.

The incumbent provides sterile surgical and post-surgical care for research animals recognizing pain and distress and taking appropriate actions. Assists in tissue collection and analysis for research projects as directed by the Principal Investigator or supervisor. Provides accurate data entry and assists with statistical computation of raw data. Maintains equipment, materials and supplies in the laboratory surgical areas. Works on assignments that are complex in nature where considerable judgement and initiative is required in resolving problems and making routine recommendations.

Responsibilities:

1. Provides sterile surgical and post-surgical care for animals including induced anesthesia during protocols. Must recognized pain/distress in animals and take appropriate measures, as provided during ISR-directed training, to alleviate/mitigate the symptoms. Assist in the necropsy, tissue collection, tissue preservation, and carcass disposal of experimental animals.
2. Collect data from animal research subjects using advanced imaging systems/ physiologic monitoring systems.
3. Conduct daily calibration of monitoring equipment during active protocols. Clean and sterilize all instruments/equipment in the surgery area. Maintain all required materials and supplies in the laboratory, surgery and storage areas. Submit equipment and supply requests for approval by a government official.
4. Prepare media, buffers and reagents for experiments. Handle both animal/human pathological material. Utilize proper disposal techniques for liquid wastes.  Maintains records of experiments.
5. Accurately enters and organizes data collected during protocols using Excel spreadsheets. Provides data analysis using spreadsheets and image analysis programs. Generate data for inclusion in study presentations and publications.
6. Isolate biomolecules from study samples. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and proteins are the most commonly extracted biomolecules. Separate and analyze sample proteins using various laboratory techniques to include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), magnetic bead multiplex assays and Western Blotting.
7. Follows instructions and standard operating procedures to perform expected tasks.
8. May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have animal models/animal research subjects experience. Knowledge of complex laboratory techniques, ability to follow basic instruction. Knowledge of basic science principles, statistics, and math; ability to use hands effectively to perform surgical preparations. Good communication and analytical skills.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree is required.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: 

• Level II: Minimum 3-5 years of work experience required. 
• Level III: Minimum 6-8 years of work experience required.

Background/Security: US Citizenship is required. Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Tier I investigation/Public Trust and a Common Access Card (CAC).