Research Technician

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of laboratory operations and safety procedures in the area of expertise. Advanced knowledge of laboratory and scientific principles, techniques, procedures, equipment, and terminology. Communication skills. Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, local, and university regulations and requirements, guidelines, and standard operating procedures.

Role Description

Responsible for providing routine and non-routine technical support to researchers by performing a variety of tasks in support of research. The research technician performs tasks in an agriculture or laboratory setting, in the field, or other research settings.

Typical Functions:

Research Support
Assists in the implementation of research projects.
Assists with the recruitment of research participants and obtaining informed consent forms.
Provides work direction and training for support staff and student researchers.
Processes, sorts, measures, labels, and ships samples and specimens.
Carries out protocols and care instructions for non-human research subjects.

Laboratory Maintenance, Research Operations and Equipment
Maintains field, greenhouse, or laboratory research equipment, instruments, and supplies.
Mixes and applies agents.
Coordinates maintenance on scientific and laboratory equipment.

Experiments
Sets up and performs experiments.
Collects samples, specimens, and other data.
Observes conditions; identifies and reports concerns or changes to senior personnel.
Administers clinical tests and questionnaires; scores and processes.
Performs laboratory techniques and analytical procedures.
Data Collection and Analysis
Compiles and enters field data.
Maintains lab and field logs.
Collects, interprets, describes and documents data to support research activities.
Performs data analysis.
Manages databases.

Levels

Research Technician 1 Supports research functions under close supervision by performing basic tasks. Carries out simple laboratory tests/cultures and research experiments. Gathers measurements and records data under close supervision. Supports research operations by cleaning and maintaining equipment. Maintains research supply inventories. Operates basic research instrumentation and equipment. Education/Experience: Typically requires a high school diploma and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Some fields of research may require a bachelor’s degree in a specific field in exchange for experience.

Research Technician 2 Performs a variety of routine tests, cultures, and experiments under general supervision which follow strict protocols and procedures and do not deviate from standard protocol. Operates field, office, laboratory, and/or shop equipment used in support of research projects. Assists with the setup of experiments and procedures. Collects and logs complex data. Performs data analysis involving routine procedures. Troubleshoots system and technical problems. Education/Experience: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Some fields of research may require a higher number of relevant years of experience in exchange for a degree.

Research Technician 3 Performs assignments under intermittent supervision. Collects, interprets, describes, and documents complex analytical and evaluative research data. Performs laboratory analytical procedures and techniques which require complex analysis to determine results. Sets up and performs research experiments and procedures following prescribed protocol with autonomy. Prepares reports, analyses, and basic models identifying progress and trends; makes recommendations or conclusions. Writes standard operating procedures. Provides technical aspects for a variety of research project components. Manages data and databases. Education/Experience: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Some fields of research may require a higher number of relevant years of experience in exchange for a degree.