Biofabrication Research Assistant, Student Employee

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General purpose: The Biofabrication Research Assistant assists with funded research projects related to biofabrication, taking place in the MICA Biofabrication Lab and Digital Fabrication Studio.

Summary of Essential Functions

• Assist with the elements of the research project, as directed by the supervising Faculty member serving as Principal Investigator of the project
• Assist with growing, maintaining, and utilizing biological cultures
• Design and fabricate assets that are directly and indirectly required for the research project using traditional, digital, and/or biological fabrication processes
• Program and/or operate digital and/or biological fabrication equipment
• Maintain work areas as needed to support the research project and academic programming in shared spaces
• Document all activities pertaining to the research project and record, organize, and archive data related to the project

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Adhere to and support proper Environmental Health and Safety practices
• Set up and operate bioreactors
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining equipment in the Biofabrication Lab
• Enforce studio policies and demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of equipment, tools, materials, techniques, and processes in the Biofabrication Lab
• Provide assistance and guidance to any Biofabrication Lab student workers (student technicians and/or work-study)
• Contribute to tutorials for processes and techniques used in the Biofabrication Lab
• Help maintain supplies, media stocks, and cell cultures needed for the research project
• Assist with internal and external communication, including text, images, and design work for multiple applications including email, social media, institutional publications, and academic journal publication
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practical working experience with microbiology and related processes and equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain sterile working conditions and cell cultures
• Proper knowledge and habits to work safely with power tools
• Ability to collaborate with others
• Ability to work independently to complete tasks as directed
• Strong organizational skills
• Good communication skills

Minimum qualifications:

• Multiple courses/internships in digital/biological fabrication processes
• Demonstrated experience working in a Biosafety Level 1 laboratory
• Demonstrated fabrication skills in a variety of media
• Required to lift, pull, and carry up to 45 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working on current or related biofabrication research projects at MICA as a Co-Lab student or intern
• Experience working on interdisciplinary research projects
• Demonstrated knowledge of biomaterials, with experience growing, creating, and utilizing them
• 1+ years experience with Rhino
• 1+ years experience with laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC milling

Reporting to this position:

• No direct reports

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands:
  While performing the duties of job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment:
  While performing the duties of the job, the noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. but ear protection may be required at times.
• Required training:
  Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention.

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

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