POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working under general supervision, plan and carry out research projects in accordance with general plans. This position will co-manage the Specialized Animal Resources Core within the Visual Sciences Research Center (VSRC), which houses 3 Core Modules: Analytical Services, Molecular Biology and Genotyping, and Specialized Animal Resources. The VSRC Core Modules enhance the quality of the university's vision research and make this research more cost-efficient. The Specialized Animal Resources module provides essential research support to the many university departments that comprise the VSRC, providing assistance and training in the maintenance of various animal genotypes as well as in vivo animal characterization by different methods. The research assistant will evaluate animals for their electroretinography responses. This position will work with animals. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Perform electroretinography ERG procedures and gathering data on the electrical responses of the retina to light stimuli using animal subjects. (50%)Collect and analyze the data from the ERG. Using waveform analysis, meet with users and go through the data obtained. The data analyzed will be electroretinography response data, which measures the electrical response rate of the retina to light stimuli. This involves examining key components of the ERG waveform, such as the a-wave and b-wave, to assess retinal function. Quantitative measurements like amplitude and implicit time are compared with normative data to identify any abnormalities. (20%)Oversee inventory, maintenance, and repair of the electroretinography instruments. Inventory includes electrodes, cables, instruments, computers, and computer software. The research assistant will be responsible to schedule services and repairs and provide regular maintenance which includes Cleaning, visual inspection, and software updates. (8%)Train new staff; direct the work of students. Train users in animal evaluations for electroretinography responses. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS 

Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Collect users' requests for services and establish the time frame for animal evaluations. This includes coordinating with users to understand their specific needs, scheduling the evaluations, and ensuring timely completion of the projects to meet user expectations. (5%)May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods, or procedures that will enhance animal evaluations using electroretinography. (5%)Attend departmental functions and perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS 

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Frequent contact with other departments to share information.  

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Frequent contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.

QUALIFICAITONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience. 

REQUIRED SKILLS

Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Knowledge of the eye structure and