] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DNA RESOURCE CENTER RESEARCH COORDINATOR

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DNA Resource Center Research Coordinator

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: DNA Resource Center Coordinator CODE: 6391 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: DNA Resource Center Research Coordinator GRADE: 25 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the PreK-12 Science supervisor leads all activities of the DNA Resource Center, including: creating curriculum, labs for high school students; leading high school pilot programs, including topics such as: site management; equipment care and function; and DNA research developing a lab research curriculum and acting as the lead contact and mentor as an approved internship site for MCPS student interns; leading high school internship and mentoring programs, summer programs and camp; and engaging stakeholders for the purposes of developing biotech partnerships. The DNA Resource Center Research Coordinator also performs specialized work involving system wide initiatives promoting responsible use of biotechnology tools, equipment, and lab modules for student learning related to Science curriculum and teacher professional development. Leads and expands internship opportunities for MCPS students, providing interns with a cutting-edge real-time research opportunity year-round involving working on real-world dilemmas in collaboration with local and statewide stakeholders. Responsible for lab management and organization, equipment inventory and ordering, module development, and piloting of experimental protocols for teacher and student use. Oversees preparation for biotechnology projects and events, including professional development. Supports execution of strategic plans supported by grant funding. Oversees the manufacturing and distribution of curriculum aligned biotechnology products to middle and high schools. Collects data and maintains records; participates in management of grant funds and grant proposals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of biotechnology tools, techniques, equipment, lab management, manufacturing, and resource development. Excellent communications and human relations skills. Ability to effectively develop and disseminate large quantities of supplies and resources to schools based on needs related to curriculum expectations. Ability to supervise student interns to effectively and safely carry out the strategic plan supported by STE grant funding. Excellent organizational and time management skills, including scheduling, inspection, and timely completion of projects. Highly skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Google Platform tools/services. Ability to read and follow protocol. Ability to acquire knowledge of and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biological or chemical sciences or biotechnology. Master's degree preferred. Three to five years of experience in relevant research or life sciences industry. Considerable experience in administrative field work as a project manager. Considerable lab experience in molecular biology techniques and hands-on experiments. Experience leading, presenting and advising students and adults. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Ability to perform work requiring the lifting and moving of heavy objects and to perform related strenuous labor.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to travel to schools and other offices on frequent and unscheduled basis.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office every day.)

Coordinates all activities and assignments for the DNA Resource Center.

Develops research and lab protocols in accordance with safe practices.

Leads students in all aspects of the process from research protocol and practices, product development, bio manufacturing, strategy, project management, supervisory skills, budget/fiscal management and distribution.

Provides science-related education for MCPS students and working closely with teachers and other MCPS administrative staff to create and disseminate cutting-edge laboratories.

Designs and facilitates professional development to design and facilitate professional development to ensure that lab protocols are conducted in accordance to safe practices and aligned with course content.

Develops student internship schedules and monitors interns progress to assure resources are available to schools on time based on their needs.

Leads all lab activities and directs students and interns relative to practices, processes, research and experiments.

Collaborates with science content specialists and supervisor to determine module needs and strategic plan.

Inventories equipment, distributes material requests, and disseminates resources as needed.

Collaborates with fiscal assistant to order supplies and monitor funds allocated to the DNA Resource Center.

Advises on the creation of new biotechnology modules to support science vision.

Troubleshoots lab experiments, ordering, and maintaining lab supplies and reagents.

Designs and executes experiments to enhance science instruction. Provides technical support to teachers implementing kits.

Serves as liaison between MCPS, stakeholders, and supply vendors.

Engages organizations, such as Johns Hopkins and NASA to engage in strategic collaboration regarding DNA Resource Center activities.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Troubleshoots lab experiments, ordering, and maintaining lab supplies and reagents.

Designs and executes experiments to enhance STE instruction.

Provides technical support to teachers implementing kits.

Liaison between MCPS, stakeholders, and supply vendors.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 7/2017
Date(s) Revised: 08/2023
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.