"Research Associate"

Job Description

A full-time research associate is sought for the lab of Dr. Jenny Munson at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion. The Munson lab is an interdisciplinary research group of engineers and biologists that study the impact of fluid flow in various pathologic conditions including brain and breast cancer and neurological disease. We use a range of tools and techniques to model biological processes. We work with collaborators all over the world and clinicians that have direct impact on patient treatment. In addition to our research, we are actively engaged with the surrounding community through outreach programs. We seek a qualified individual who will be responsible for in vitro tissue engineered model implementation and validation, design and development of new in vitro models, and experimental design and implementation for NIH-funded projects. Other duties will be included as assigned and needed based on projects. This position will operate on a standard 9am - 5pm work day and follow Virginia Tech’s holiday schedule. Any inquiries regarding this position should be directed to Jennifer Munson (munsonj@vt.edu). The duties of the role will include though may not be limited to the following:

• Making significant contributions to the projects assigned and the achievement of the project’s research goals. This includes the design and execution of novel experiments and analysis and presentation of data related to those experiments.
• Completion of advanced tissue culture techniques leveraging our 3D tissue engineered model systems
• Validation and standardization of tissue engineered model techniques and outcomes across the lab
• Validation and cross-comparison of in vivo outcomes including implementation of experiments and post-experimental analyses.
• Design, development and implementation of engineering projects with interdisciplinary teams.
• Research record keeping.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records used for conducting and monitoring multiple studies.
• Training and assistant of other members on in vitro systems and other standardized techniques.
• Participating in research team meetings to report on research progress, improve data collection processes, assist with problem solving, and address protocol issues that arise during the course of research studies.
• Advising of student teams in engineering on projects related to our research goals.
• Making significant contributions to the projects assigned and the achievement of the project’s research goals.
• Completion of animal surgeries across multiple projects
• Monitoring and documenting of mouse colonies, genotyping, and general husbandry
• Injections and administration of substances for animal work.
• Preparation of mice for imaging work.
• Research record keeping.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records used for conducting and monitoring multiple studies.
• Training and assistant of other members on animal work.
• Participating in research team meetings to report on research progress, improve data collection processes, assist with problem solving, and address protocol issues that arise during the course of research studies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering with significant professional experience and equitable laboratory experience.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Effective project and time management.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to document protocols, techniques, and maintain inventories.
• Extensive cell culture expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

(Not specified in detail)

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.