Graduate Research Technician III

The Graduate Research Technician (GRT) role will assist with department-related grant-funded research projects for the duration of the grant. The GRT works under direct supervision of the assigned Principal Investigator (PI). Responsibilities and tasks are assigned based on active grant(s)/contract(s). Off-hours and weekend work may be required at all levels.

The following statements describe the approximate nature of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive description of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel with this classification.  The job description may alter depending on the nature of the grant/contract that is being fulfilled.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All Levels and Disciplines

• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering Liberty University’s mission.
• Maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain accurate records of conducted research based on the adopted by the lab tools and techniques.
• Meet with faculty supervisor to maintain an ongoing assessment of the performance.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Additional information may be found here

Level 1

• Apply standard scientific practices, techniques, and methods as appropriate for specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related, detailed steps or processes
• Contribute to experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on the basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include measurements and recording of observations, collecting, compiling, and processing of data
• Organize data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations
• May coordinate operational activities in a research laboratory, providing support services to researchers and technicians
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards for lab operations to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory
• Coordinate ordering, maintaining appropriate inventory, storage, and maintenance of supplies, labware, and instruments essential to the operation of the lab
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Level 2

• Develop, design, and conduct research projects under the general direction of faculty and/or senior research personnel and according to standard protocols or research plans
• Investigate and evaluate research methods and suggest options for improving the experimental process and quality
• May be responsible for the operation of a specialized laboratory or research area within a department and related data analysis for a research project
• Oversees the day-to-day operation of project
• Collect and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related, detailed steps or processes
• Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, or oral/written presentations
• Prepare reports and may present data at meetings
• Train users in equipment operation and research techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations limitations, and outcomes
• Schedule and maintain records of equipment/facility
• May assemble, test, calibrate, clean, or make minor repairs to equipment

Level 3

• Develop, design, and conduct one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with the plan, review progress, and evaluate results
• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; contribute to determining the feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring the quality, cost effectiveness, and timeliness of assigned projects
• Participate in formulating research methods and suggesting options for improving quality and recommending solutions, identifying problems and related technical issues, leading to long-term solutions by identifying technical approaches for problem-solving solving
• Coordinate data collection and screening, and verify data; conduct analysis of data, interpret, and implement research methodology based on the outcome of the analysis
• May be responsible for the operation of a specialized research area or laboratory
• May act as liaison with other departments, divisions, or organizations to answer questions or provide advice on research projects/experiments
• Train users in equipment operation and research techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations limitations, and outcomes
• Assist in the preparation of papers, proposals, presentations, and reports to an outside audience
• May also perform duties identified in lower-level(s)

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications for all Levels and Disciplines

• Current enrollment in the graduate degree program.

• Satisfactory academic progress (3.0 or higher GPA).

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.

• Communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong aptitude to learn new skills, i.e., teachable
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Operate laboratory and experimental testing equipment. 
• Assist in surgical procedures on small animals. 
• Excellent dexterity to facilitate the precise handling of extremely small volumes of solutions and to perform animal surgeries.
• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork, type on a keyboard, and complete research-related tasks.
• Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs (3 flights) to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 20 or fewer pounds.
• No aversion or health concerns with working around small rodents.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

• The working environment of this position is a climate-controlled laboratory setting.  It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.
• Regular (daily) exposure to rodent allergens is and should be expected.  Rodent allergic reactions would be prohibitive to this position.

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.  Proof of a valid state issued driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Target Hire Date

2026-01-23

Time Type

Part time

Location

Lynchburg - In Office

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.