Core Research Facility Specialist II

Summary

Intermediate Core Specialists perform procedures, experiments, simulations, or investigations using the facility’s specialized equipment or services consistent with the facility’s protocols; maintain and operate the facility’s instrumentation, equipment, or perform specialized service for a variety of researchers and perform a variety of procedures and techniques; meet with investigators about experiment design; update or make improvements to current protocols; perform daily activities to prepare for experimental protocols and facility operation: train core facility staff and/or customers. Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures. Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while still meeting deadlines. Attention to detail and confidentiality paramount. Customer service oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Investigates current literature in core specific technologies.
• Performs data analysis for researchers using specialized data analysis software.
• Provides advanced education and training to core facility users and staff on highly specialized equipment, scientific research or technology.
• Provides advice and guidance in either a self-service or full service core facility.
• Coordinates equipment and facilities with users.
• Services, calibrates, and checks equipment for proper function.
• Performs periodic preventative maintenance on facility instrumentation.
• Troubleshoots equipment failures, procure repair parts, implement repairs, supervise field service and core facility engineers, and test equipment for proper function after repairs.
• May provide technical support by trouble shooting, repairing, and testing of specialized facility equipment, computer systems and support equipment.
• Operates the facility computer systems and specialized instrument control and analysis software, facility data server, and/or researcher’s data server accounts, data backup and archiving, and online reservation system and/or researcher’s reservation accounts.
• Remains current on emerging techniques, software programs, and instrumentation in field of expertise.
• May evaluate new data analysis techniques or methodology.
• May evaluate and recommend upgrade paths for new specialized computer systems and software.
• Performs administrative duties necessary for a fee-for-service facility operation, i.e., fee/charge entry.
• May assist with cost analysis of core facility
• Collects variables to determine appropriate service charges.
• Adheres and contributes to facility safety and procedure policy.
• May be designated Safety Coordinator for facility.
• Participates in hiring staff and managing staff performance to assure staff is compliant with UF policies and procedures.
• Help with marketing and strategic plans for increasing awareness of the core facility and the services provided
• Prepare written reports for supervisor
• Manage compliance with Environmental Health and Safety and other institutional and governmental regulations.
• Adheres to safety and compliance guidelines.
• May participate in hiring staff and managing staff performance to assure staff is compliant with UF policies and procedures.
• Assists in training and assessment of new staff
• Communicates with internal and external clients in a clear and professional manner
• Performs intake functions for a core facility such as receiving and logging samples or requests for services
• Process orders or requests and generate invoices, Bills of Lading and manifests as needed
• Performs verification and validation of work processes as needed.
• Reviews facility use data for reports.
• Adheres to safety and compliance guidelines.
• Assists in cross training core staff where applicable
• Communicates with internal and external clients in a clear and professional manner
• Performs intake functions for a core facility such as receiving and logging samples or requests for services
• Process orders or requests and generate invoices, Bill of Ladings and manifests as needed
• Performs verification and validation of work processes as needed

Education and Experience

MS required or 7 years science related, core specific advanced training and work experience and/or post-graduate coursework. Requires at least 3 years in core facility specific applications and at least 2 years of that in research-based technology.  Work experience in multi-user core facility preferred.

Licensure and Certification

Core or technology specific licensure and/or certifications where applicable. Additionally yearly certificate and compliance training if required.

Supervision

This position may have supervisory responsibility.

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.