"Research Specialist- AZ- College of Veterinary Medicine"

Job Details

Summary

This Research Specialist is a full-time staff position in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The Research Specialist will report administratively to the Associate Dean for Research. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist in execution of research experiments for CVM veterinary scientists. The successful candidate will primarily be involved in cellular and molecular immunology research. To successfully meet this responsibility, this Research Specialist will draft research protocols, write, and comply with standard operating procedures (SOP’s), collect and manage research data, analyze research data, write draft reports, and initiate and manage an archive for research study reports. In addition, the Research Specialist will be responsible for ordering and managing research supplies and complying with the expectations and SOP’s of the Midwestern University Biosafety Committee and Radiation Safety Committees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with faculty to develop experimental protocols for scientific investigations.
• Maintain, monitor, and operate standard laboratory equipment (e.g. centrifuges, pH meters, incubators, freezers, refrigerators).
• Collect, prepare, and manage specimens and samples properly and efficiently (may involve working with live animals).
• Perform experiments to produce reliable data in support of scientific investigations.
• Perform common procedures in biomedical research, (e.g. conventional and quantitative PCR, western immunoblotting, 2D-PAGE, flow cytometry, ELISA and ELISPOT, recombinant protein expression, fluorescence microscopy).
• Perform advanced experimentation using flow cytometry and cell sorting, multiplex ELISA array, multiplex bead-based assay, cellular metabolism analyzer, advanced microscopy including live cell imaging, and analyze data generated using associated software (e.g. FlowJo).
• BSL-1 and 2 bench work using a variety of cell and molecular biology techniques, including isolation, culture, and characterization of primary cells and immortalized cell lines.
• Maintains detailed documentation of experiments, data and its analysis.
• Present data in a comprehensible fashion to other members of the research group.
• Interpret laboratory data and identify problems and suggest solutions when necessary.
• Provide guidance and training to MWU students working in CVM research laboratories.
• Follow and ensure safety procedures.
• Ensure that the laboratory is well-stocked and organized and maintains track of budgets.
• Order laboratory supplies and other items related to research activities.
• Attend mandatory training, e.g. handling live animals, biosafety, radiation safety.
• Assist in drafting research proposals, protocols, scientific reports, and IACUC/CRC documents.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean for Research.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This individual must have the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and must have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with at least 3-5 years of related experience directly working in a research lab, or a research thesis-based Master’s degree in biological sciences with 2 years of full-time paid related research work experience. Candidates must have previous experience and general knowledge in cell biology, molecular biology, including but not limited to cellular immunology and microbiology, and molecular genetics research. Working knowledge of tissue culture, flow cytometry and cell sorting, advanced imaging including live cell microscopy, and multiplex assays are required, and proficiency in these techniques is preferred. Candidates must also be able to work independently following an initial training period.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Proficiency in genomics and proteomics data management is highly desired. Experience with R and GraphPad Prism desirable.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Interactions with live and/or dead animals may be required, and this individual must not have allergies to dogs, cats, or horses. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.