Job Description Summary
Research Associate 2-B/H designs, executes and manages research projects investigating nanomedicines for skull base tumors in a foundational (basic) biological/health science research laboratory in the Division of Otology, Neurotology and Cranial Base Surgery within the Department of Otolaryngology; collaborates with principal investigator (PI) to develop and implement goals and objectives of studies; conceptualizes, designs and executes complex laboratory experiments; plans and executes advanced molecular and cellular techniques; plans, coordinates and oversees processing and analysis of data; analyzes and interprets research data; develops and implements new and/or revised research methodology and techniques; plans and tests experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods; develops and establishes research controls, criteria and standards; performs critical analysis of literature relevant to research; collaborates with principal investigator to write and prepare research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at national and conferences and workshops, and in the writing of project reports, articles and other documents; attends and presents research results at national and international scientific conferences, workshops and seminars; assists with development, writing and preparation of grant proposals to obtain new or renewal of extramural funding in support of research; investigates, identifies and recommends possible sources of research funding; participates in developing and managing grant budgets; monitors expenses; monitors and enforces laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, as well as local, state and federal regulations, including proper disposal and maintenance of regulated materials; trains and/or supervises research staff; manages daily operations of the laboratory; oversees and initiates procurement of lab supplies and equipment; provides technical assistance and supervision of equipment; negotiates and oversees equipment service contracts and repairs.
Primary duties and responsibilities:
Management:
Routine laboratory duties: ordering and maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing supplies, EHS lab inspections, writing standard operating procedures, biohazardous and chemical waste management and disposal
-Assist in writing and renewing laboratory (IBC) and animal (IACUC) protocols -Assist in budget development and monitoring
Assist with grant preparation and reportingAssist with manuscript preparation and submissionAssist with teaching and mentoring laboratory members
Research:
Design and implement research protocolsMolecular biology: Western blot, quantitative PCR, ELISA, proliferation assays, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, genome editing (RNAi, CRISPR)In vitro: tissue culture including maintaining human and mouse tumor cell linesIn vivo: tumor xenograft models, in vivo drug delivery, imagingHistology: Processing primary patient tumors for analysis, immunofluorescence staining, microscopyData collection, verification and management (statistics)
Essential Duties
65%: Designs, executes and manages research projects investigating skull base tumors (meningiomas, schwannomas), developing diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics in a foundational (basic) biological/health science research laboratory; conceptualizes, designs and executes complex laboratory experiments; plans and executes advanced molecular and cellular techniques; plans, coordinates and oversees processing and analysis of data; analyzes and interprets research data; develops and implements new and/or revised research methodology and techniques; plans and tests experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods; collaborates with principal investigator to develop and implement goals and objectives of studies; develops and establishes research controls, criteria and standards.
20%: Performs critical analysis of literature relevant to research; collaborates with principal investigator to write and prepare research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at national and conferences and workshops, and in the writing of project reports, articles and other documents; attends and presents research results at national and international scientific conferences, workshops and seminars; assists with development, writing and preparation of grant proposals to obtain new or renewal of extramural funding in support of research; investigates, identifies and recommends possible sources of research funding; prepares and submits research progress reports to sponsors.
15%: Participates in developing and managing grant budgets; monitors expenses; monitors and enforces laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, as well as local, state and federal regulations, including, but not limited to record keeping and proper disposal and maintenance of regulated materials; trains and/or supervises research staff; manages daily operations of the laboratory; oversees and initiates the procurement of lab supplies and equipment; provides technical assistance and supervision of equipment; negotiates and oversees equipment service contracts and repairs.
Minimum Education and Skills/Experience Required/Desired
A Master’s degree in an appropriate biological/health science or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Considerable experience in a biological/health research capacity is required. Requires successful completion of a background check; qualified candidates may be asked to complete a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen.
Preferred Qualifications
Highly motivated with passion for science, attention to details, problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.Excellent oral and written communication skills for day-to-day project team communications.Excellent team playerBioinformatics experience with genomic datasets is desired but not requiredExperience in genome editing (RNAi, CRISPR) is desired but not requiredHands-on experience with viral vectors (handling and preparation) is desired but not requiredExperience with nanomaterial synthesis and characterization is desired but not required Regular 40 First Shift