Job: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - Desert Tortoise Conservation Center/San Diego Zoo's Institute For Conservation Research

Opening for Research Associate at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Applicant must be available any of the (7) days of the week. Hours scheduled will be approximately 40/wk. Applicant must be willing and able to learn necropsy and tissue processing procedures on dead tortoises; and work with sharp instruments, power tools, and formalin fixatives. Must be able to work in harsh conditions with extremes in weather and rough terrain. Applicants must be able to work effectively with others.

Representative qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field or equivalent specialized training; knowledge of the methods and equipment used in the assigned area of biological research; communication skills; data and record keeping skills; ability to use word processing, database, and spreadsheet systems; and ability to work effectively with others. Laboratory experience and/or certification in the assigned area of biological research is desirable.


This position will perform a variety of laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, or field duties, including animal necropsies; collects, collates, maintains, processes, and analyzes biological samples; collects, records, and analyzes data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems; and conducts a variety of assigned research activities; assures laboratory, animal care, and field equipment are properly maintained and calibrated; documents, files, and maintains records; prepares data and related reports for presentation and/or publication; maintains supply inventories; prepares purchase requisitions for equipment and supplies; prepares, arranges, and maintains records for sample and/or animal shipments, and maintains a variety of contacts in order to respond to inquiries and requests and effectively coordinate activities. Ancillary Functions: May participate and assist in all aspects of tortoise care and husbandry to include burrow construction, feeding/watering, fence repair, translocations and monitoring, phlebotomy and processing of blood, cleaning and disinfection of equipment and facilities, data entry, and other tasks as required. May train and oversee students and volunteers; coordinates repairs and maintenance of facilities; and performs related duties and responsibilities as required. (Post 11/2/09)

CLASSIFICATION PURPOSE

The Research Associate performs a variety of assigned research activities while working on a grant-supported research project.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

Develops, updates, and implements laboratory, diagnostic, animal care, or field protocols for assigned research projects; collates, maintains, processes, and analyzes biological samples; enters and analyzes data utilizing spreadsheet and database systems; performs experiments, measurements, and other duties as required; interprets and analyzes research results; establishes and maintains databases; reviews related literature to remain abreast of developments in assigned field; trains and oversees volunteers; maintains a variety of contacts in order to respond to inquiries and requests and effectively coordinate activities.

Ancillary Functions:

May assist in the preparation of grant applications and the administering of grants; prepare technical reports and papers for publication and make presentations to professional groups; assist in developing, administering, and monitoring budgets; performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE

Examples of representative qualifications include an undergraduate or graduate degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field, or equivalent specialized experience; knowledge of the assigned research area; ability to use research equipment; communication skills; data entry skills; ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and desktop publishing systems; and ability to work effectively with others.

WORKING CONDITION

Work involves possible exposure to radiation, zoonotic diseases, and potentially hazardous chemicals and materials; some assignments involve working outdoors with wild animals in varying weather conditions; working with sharp instruments; ability to move moderately heavy objects; some assignments are located in the field and require ability to travel.

SOME EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING A PRE-PLACEMENT PHYSICAL. ALL EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING A DRUG SCREEN.