Job Details

Research Assistant - Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant - Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

JOB PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

Examine roles for oxidative stress-induced changes in nuclear G protein signaling leading to islet beta cell death under metabolic stress and diabetogenic conditions. Isolate islets from the pancreas of mice and rats for studies aimed at islet function in health and metabolic stress. Assist other laboratory personnel in day-to-day maintenance and ordering laboratory supplies. Mentor trainees (e.g., undergraduate students) in the laboratory.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree
Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience: Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)
Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Preferred qualifications:

BS in Biology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology with at least 1 year of laboratory experience. Experience in cell culture and small animal handling/surgery is essential.