The positions listed can be found at a number of institutions and companies across the state. Most individuals know that research is conducted at large academic institutions such as the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and the University of Kansas Medical Center, but it also takes place at other state schools such as Wichita State University and Pittsburg State University. Likewise, there are many companies of all sizes conducting research and development in a wide variety of biotechnology sectors in the state. Probably the best known are Bayer HealthCare (Shawnee) and Bayer CropScience (Stilwell), which have both animal and plant facilities in Kansas. But other companies provide a number of services and positions, companies such as Xenotech (Lenexa), IBT Reference Laboratory (Lenexa), Edenspace (Manhattan/Junction City) and NanoScale Materials, Inc. (Manhattan).

Glasswasher

A glasswasher is responsible for washing and drying glassware and distributing it to appropriate locations within the laboratories. He or she maintains the glass-washing facility, keeping it clean and swept, and picks up dirty glassware. He or she may sterilize glassware and other items using an autoclave. A glasswasher performs routine maintenance of glass-washing equipment and performs other related duties as required. A glasswasher position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years laboratory experience.

Laboratory Assistant

aboratory assistants are responsible for performing a wide variety of research laboratory tasks and experiments, making detailed observations, analyzing data and interpreting results. He or she maintains laboratory equipment and inventory levels for laboratory supplies. He or she may also write reports, summaries and protocols regarding experiments. A laboratory assistant also performs limited troubleshooting and calibration of instruments. An entry-level laboratory assistant position requires at minimum an associate degree in a science and zero to two years lab experience.

Research Associate

A research associate is responsible for research and development in collaboration with others on projects. He or she makes detailed observations, analyzes data and interprets results. Research associates prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols and quantitative analyses. An incumbent maintains familiarity with current scientific literature and contributes to the process of a project within his or her scientific discipline, as well as investigating, creating and developing new methods and technologies for project advancement. He or she may also be responsible for identifying patentable inventions and acting as principal investigator in conducting his or her own experiments. A research associate may also be asked to participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals. At the entry level, the job can require a bachelor of science or advanced degree in a scientific discipline.

Research Assistant

The job description for a research assistant is similar to that of a research associate. At the entry level, the job can require a bachelor of science or advanced degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent, with little or no related experience.

Media Prep Technician

A media prep technician is responsible for media preparation in the research and development area. He or she performs experiments as required and outlined, and develops and maintains record keeping for procedures and experiments performed. A media prep technician entry-level position requires at minimum an associate degree in science and zero to two years related experience and/or completion of a company’s on-the-job training program.

Greenhouse Assistant

A greenhouse assistant performs a variety of greenhouse research tasks and experiments. He or she may be required to make detailed observations, detecting horticultural or pest problems, and instituting corrective action. Greenhouse assistants determine optimal cultural requirements and perform tasks related to disease and pest prevention; they often are required to collect, record, and analyze data, as well as interpret results. In addition, a greenhouse assistant may be called upon to perform troubleshooting and equipment maintenance. An entry-level greenhouse assistant position requires a high school diploma, an associate degree or equivalent, and a minimum of zero to two years relevant greenhouse/plant experience.

Plant Breeder

A plant breeder is responsible for the design, development, execution and implementation of plant breeding research projects in collaboration with a larger research team. He or she may be responsible for project planning and personnel management within the project. Plant breeders may use exotic germ plasm and work with various mating systems and integrate them with biotechnology as needed to enhance selection methods and accelerate product development. A plant breeder’s diverse responsibilities can include making contributions to and developing good public relations with scientific and other professional communities. He or she may also act as an adviser to company management about long-range goals for a plant breeding department. He or she may participate in the development of patents or proposals and assist with the management and development of a plant breeding group. A plant breeder entry-level position requires a bachelor of science degree or equivalent. A minimum of zero to two years of plant breeding or agronomical experience and/or training in plant breeding or plant science is also required.

Animal Handler

An animal handler is responsible for the daily care of research animals for experimental purposes. He or she cleans animal cages and racks, maintains records to comply with regulatory requirements and standard operating procedures and performs preventive maintenance on facility equipment. The incumbent may also perform animal observation, grooming and minor clinical tasks. An animal handler position requires a high school diploma or equivalent experience with a scientific background. A minimum of zero to two years relevant laboratory experience is also expected.

Animal Technician

Animal technicians are responsible for the daily care of research animals for experimental purposes. They also coordinate with vendors and supervisors on operational, administrative and technical responsibilities. They perform some surgery and postoperative care as directed and are responsible for overseeing procurement of animals and supplies, preventive maintenance of facility equipment, cleaning of animal cages and racks, daily rounds and observation to check animal health status. They develop standard operating procedures and maintain records to comply with regulatory requirements. An entry-level animal technician job requires a high school diploma or equivalent experience with a scientific background and a minimum of zero to two years related laboratory experience.

Technical Writer

An entry-level technical writer is responsible for writing and editing standard operating procedures, clinical study protocols, laboratory procedure manuals and other related documents. He or she edits and/or rewrites various sources of information into a uniform style and language for regulatory compliance, and assists in developing documentation for instructional, descriptive, reference and/or informational purposes. An entry-level position requires a bachelor of science degree or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years of experience in writing technical documentation.