Core Research Facility Specialist III

Summary

Senior Core Specialists perform procedures, experiments, simulations, or investigations using the facility’s specialized equipment or services consistent with the facility’s protocols; acquire data from the facility’s instrumentation, equipment, or perform specialized service for a variety of researchers and perform complex procedures and techniques; consult with investigators about experiment design and recommend improvements; create, update, or make improvements to current protocols; perform daily activities to prepare for experimental protocols and facility operation: train and supervise core facility staff. 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 and performs critical analysis of current literature in core specific technologies.
• Performs advanced data analysis for researchers using specialized data analysis software in a form useful for further statistical analysis or publication.
• Provides advanced education, training and consultation 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.
• Reviews methods sections of research papers related to core facility’s specialty that will be submitted for publication.
• Coordinates and manages 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.
• Provides technical support by trouble shooting, repairing, and testing of specialized facility equipment, computer systems and support equipment.
• Maintains 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 develop new data analysis techniques or methodology.
• May evaluate, recommend, and implement upgrade paths for new specialized computer systems and software.
• Performs administrative duties necessary for a fee-for-service facility operation, i.e., data analysis and delivery.
• May assist with cost analysis and budgets of core facility
• Collects and analyzes variables to determine appropriate service charges.
• Analyzes facility use data for reports and make recommendations.
• Reviews and/or recommends specifications for new equipment or renovation projects.
• Adheres and contributes to facility safety and procedure policy.
• May be designated Safety Coordinator for facility.
• May supervise core facility staff.
• Participates in hiring staff and managing staff performance to assure staff is compliant with UF policies and procedures.
• May develop and implement marketing and strategic plans for increasing awareness of the core facility and the services provided
• Prepare written reports for supervisor and clients
• Manage compliance with Environmental Health and Safety and other institutional and governmental regulations.
• 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, Bill of Ladings 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 10 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.