Item 4.A-August 8, 2014
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable): Byoung Koh
Position #(s): CL 40910
Current Title: Staff Research Associate III
Current Range: CL Gr 33
(JCC: CL-10.770 )
Department: Physiology and Cell Biology
College/Division: University of Nevada
School of Medicine / VP, Health Sciences
Account #(s): 1320-119-15SC; 1320-119-15SD
Action Proposed: (check all that apply) CLASSIFIED TO ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY
(X) New position: Proposed Range: 2
Proposed Title: Research Cell Physiologist
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
JCC (Current
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
or new HR
Range:
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature Kenton Sanders, Chair, PCB
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Director/Chair/Dean Thomas Schwenk, Vice President, Health Sciences/Dean, SOM Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Stacy Burton, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
67595 Range:
2
Pos #(s):
JCC:
EEO: 3B
Eff: 8/1/2014
Approved Title: Research Cell Physiologist
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Research Cell Physiologist
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Research Cell Physiologist is responsible for creative design of research experiments and
planning in collaboration with the Principal Investigator. The position coordinates activities in the lab
including equipment and ensures chemicals, reagents, and supplies are inventoried and safely
maintained. The position is responsible for performing specialized procedures relating to fluorescence
activated cell sorting (FACS), immunohistochemistry and contractile data collection, measurements,
and analysis. The position analyzes and reports data findings to faculty and staff within the University
of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM) located in Reno. The position plans, conducts and
supervises research activities performed by students according to research objectives. The position
reports to the Chair, Physiology and Cell Biology.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
60% - Specialized Research Procedures
 Perform specialized procedures for chemical and biological analysis to include
immunohistochemistry, western blot, measurement of mechanical contractile responses,
cystometry, cell isolation, and others
 Validate and optimize the FACS equipment on a regular basis to ensure optimal function
 Using an enzymatic mixture, perform dispersions of cells from various tissues of several model
animals and humans (i.e. to include several strains of transgenic mice, monkeys and humans),
perform immunocytochemistry using conjugated fluorescent antibodies to determine
localization of proteins, and isolate enriched populations of specific specialized cell types using
FACS.
 Perform experiments with original concepts using and developing new scientific approaches or
techniques
 Develop procedures and interpret findings to gather technical data related to the phenomena
under investigation
 Collaborate and consult with faculty and staff to evaluate and interpret data and procedures
20% - Data Analysis and Reporting
 Using various specialized software, analyze and evaluate data and present findings to faculty
and staff
 Prepare data and figures for publication
 Collaborate with faculty in the writing and proofreading of manuscripts for publication
10% - Equipment and Inventory Management
 Operate and maintain scientific instrumentation by calibrating and monitoring equipment in
order to perform analytical testing procedures, obtain data for analysis, and comply with quality
control procedures; problem solve issues and modify as necessary
 Order, handle, store, and dispose of radioactive reagents and wastes, controlled substances,
and hazardous biologicals and chemicals following standardized procedures in order to
comply with federal and state regulations to maintain laboratory safety
 Manage recordkeeping of inventory, track invoices, create and submit bi-monthly reports
Position Description – Research Cell Physiologist
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10% - Student Training and Supervision
 Prepare equipment, specimens and supplies for instruction purposes and/or testing in the
laboratory according to standardized procedures by formulating solutions
 Supervise, assign work, and train undergraduate students and new staff using expertise
especially in the field of immunohistochemistry and contractile measurements and including
basic and advanced techniques
 Discuss experimental procedures with students and work with research faculty in presenting,
developing, and/or modifying portions of course material in order to provide professional
program support
 Demonstrate laboratory procedures and explain fundamentals of experimental methodologies
and assigning work in order to teach sophisticated concepts and methodologies related to a
specialized discipline
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
The incumbent has autonomy in coordinating the lab and ensuring that supplies are inventoried and
maintained so researchers are able to conduct experiments and instruct students. The position
ensures the safety and removal of bio-hazardous chemicals, reagents, and supplies according to
state and University regulations. The position performs specialized procedures relating to FACS,
immunohistochemistry and contractile data collection, measurements, and analysis with general
oversight by the Principal Investigator. The Research Cell Physiologist analyzes and reports data
findings to faculty and staff. The position often makes independent decisions on daily training and
supervision of undergraduate in use of the laboratory and experiments being conducted. The position
consults with the Principal Investigator (PI) on matters relating to problems or conflicts that arise from
use of equipment and/or supplies and in matters relating to questions on research methods and
general plan of approach to basic research problems.
Impact:
The individual is in a position to assist faculty and train undergraduate students on scientific
experiments that affect faculty research and student learning and eventual matriculation. Failure to
perform duties would negatively impact both faculty and students in their goals. Failure to secure the
safety of chemicals, reagents, and laboratory supplies could affect the safety and ability of
researchers and students to conduct research. Inaccurate reporting of data or improper testing in
experiments would cause the researcher to lose funding and impact the reputation of the Laboratory,
the department, and UNSOM.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Basic science and in particular field of research on FACS, immunohistochemistry and
contractile measurements in physiology and cell biology
 Laboratory management, equipment maintenance, and inventory control of hazardous
biological chemicals and supplies and their disposal
 Laboratory research equipment such as flow cytometer, FACS, confocal microscope, cryostat,
cystometrogram, force transducer and amplifier, stereomicroscope and inverted microscope,
microdissection equipment, microelectrode puller and microforge, etc.
Position Description – Research Cell Physiologist
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Related safety, health, and environmental regulatory compliance standards, laws, and
regulations such as Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Development and writing of reports of research findings for presentation and/or publication
Research methodologies, database design (database programs as well as online web based
research applications) and implementation – design, data collection, analysis, and
interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative data
Reporting to University, state, and/or federal agencies
Animal research, including requirements from the Office for Laboratory Animal Welfare
(OLAW), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Institutional Animal Use
and Care Committee (IACUC) review for animal research protocols
Skills:
 Data analysis and reporting to a diverse audience, i.e., academic faculty, students, federal
agency representatives, etc.
 Supervision, mentoring, and training of students in laboratory use and conducting research
experiments
 Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe
Photoshop, CorelDraw, and FloJo.
 Excellent verbal and written communication for instruction of students and preparing reports
on research conducted
 Analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
 Organizational management skills and scheduling prioritization of projects
Ability to:
 Collaborate with staff to evaluate and interpret data and procedures
 Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies
 Design approaches in scientific or other methodologies for a laboratory and assist in
developing, editing and writing of operating procedures, progress reports, manuscripts, grant
applications or similar documents
 Generate independent ideas and concepts on projects
 Assess and troubleshoot equipment and operating procedures
 Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
 Work with diverse populations and be sensitive to gender, disabilities, and cultural and ethnic
diversity issues
 Stay current in discipline by seeking out and learning new information pertinent to performance
of duties
 Understand and interpret formalized policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
PCB faculty and staff
Undergraduate Students and
Post Doc Fellows
Reason for Contact
To collaborate with on research projects and conduct training on
use of the laboratory and equipment; to obtain technical
assistance as well as discuss new ideas and techniques for ongoing projects
To train and monitor students in assigned research projects and
on safety and use of the laboratory and equipment; assist in
research projects
Position Description – Research Cell Physiologist
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Environmental Health and Safety
To ensure regulations are being followed for use and disposal of
chemical and other substances
External
Funding agencies
Vendors
Reason for Contact
To submit reports of findings in research projects
To purchase supplies and materials
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution with emphasis or major in
biology, physiology and cell biology, microbiology or related field
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Bachelor’s Degree and four years, or a Master’s Degree and two years, of experience
in laboratory management in field of biology, physiology and cell biology, microbiology
or related field
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None