Sample Job Descriptions and Summaries
For use in the Department of Microbiology
Tech Positions:
Responsibilities and Duties
 Order supplies
 Unpack and restock lab supplies to maintain lab supply inventory
 Prepare media and solutions
 Oversee growth and maintenance of cell lines
 Tissue culture: grow and maintain cells
 Perform Western and Southern blots
 PCR analysis
 Assist lab members with experiments
 Keep accurate records for radioactive supplies
 Check on liquid nitrogen freezer
 Autoclave pipette tips, microfuge tubes and surgical instruments
Summary (example 1):
Maintain cell lines and prepare virus for use by lab members; aid in animal work and
participate in minor experiments in molecular biology and virology; order lab supplies; keep
chemical inventories; organize freezers.
Summary (example 2):
Assist PI in planning protocols. Perform microbial and molecular biology techniques;
perform DNA, RNA and protein analysis. Maintain log book and lab notebook; write lab
reports. Assist in ordering lab supplies. Attend lab meetings.
Qualifications for a “Research Technician C”:
This is a weekly paid position with slightly less responsibilities than a Research Specialist.
Usually this person would have a BS or BA in Chemistry or Biology, lab experience
preferred but not required. The average starting salary would be between $23K-$25K.
Research Specialists:
Responsibilities and Duties:
 Design protocols
 Execute experiments
 Prepare media and solutions
 Perform cell culture
 Maintain and expand tissue culture and virus stocks
 Create virus stocks and perform assays
 Perform DNA preparations using Qiagen, Biorad and Promega kits
 Perform molecular biological assays
 Cloning and protein purification
 RNA isolation and purification
 Breed mouse strains, type mice
 Run mouse core: DNA analysis of transgenics, perform FACs analysis and interact
with ULAR staff on regular basis
 Drug administration to mice
 Test entry inhibitors and antibodies in cell-cell fusion assays
 Assist senior postdocs with cornea scarifications
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Conduct cell culture HIV and SIV infection assays in a BSL-3 facility
Present research data at lab meetings
Supervise work-study students
Liason with vendors representatives
Data analysis
Summary (example 1):
Principal duties include experimental work, literature searches, presentations and general
laboratory administration. Other specific aspects of the job involve analysis of cell adhesion,
tissue culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, protein analysis by gel electrophoresis
and blotting, protein cross-linking and radio-iodination of protein for analysis of adsorption
and specific binding, and ELISA analysis.
Summary (example 2):
Perform microbiological and immunolical experiments involving listeria monocytogenes in
mice; breed and maintain mouse strains; create virus stocks; present data at lab meetings.
Molecular biology techniques, biochemical assays and cell biological approaches will be
pursued.
Summary (example 3):
Contribute to research projects in leading HSV lab. Responsible for managing the lab by
directing students, ordering supplies, assisting with animal surgeries, etc.
Qualifications for a Research Specialist:
There are four levels of Research Specialist, though it is most common to hire a new person
as a Research Specialist A and over years promote them through the ranks.
 Research Specialist A: BS or BA in chemistry or biology with some lab experience
required. Common starting salary is $24K-$27K
 Research Specialist B: BS or BA required, MS preferred with at least 1-3 years lab
experience required. Common starting salary is $27K-$32K.
 Research Specialist C: MS preferred and sometimes required with 3-5 years lab
experience. Common starting salary ranges $32-50K.
 Research Specialist D: Please discuss with Micro Office staff before posting this
position for an external hire.