Senior Research Associate

Job Summary

This position will manage the laboratory functions including lab organization, maintenance, and ordering of supplies. Design experiments, carry out experiments using computers to find gene sequences, download sequences, design primers, start and maintain cell lines, cell culture, DNA and RNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis. Administrative accountability for leading, managing, developing, supervising, and evaluating all research personnel and supportive research staff. Manages and collaborates relationships with research staff to ensure professional and educational excellence in provision of quality research. Collaborate with Grants/Fiscal Managers and designees to develop and maintain a balanced budget.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Administrative Duties

• Maintain clean, safe, well stocked lab
• Order supplies when needed
• Maintain required proficiencies for research, CITI, other university or national requirements
• Keep accurate records of patients on computer spreadsheets stored on H drive
• Track and monitor budget. Communicate regularly to Principal Investigator (PI)
• Attend translational meetings every Thursday
• Supervise, onboard, and manage research staff; oversee work schedules and approve leave request, monitor workload, project progress, and quality control. Provide performance feedback, foster professional development, critical thinking and effective team communication

Lab Duties

• Communicate with patients to recruit for research studies
• Contact physicians and subjects, relatives by phone, letters, and/or internet
• Obtain subjects signed consent forms, clinical information, and blood for the study and for publications, according to HIPPA guidelines.
• Extract DNA/RNA as needed
• Cell culture work; produce immortalized cell lines
• PCR and DNA sequencing on SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer
• Work with PI and other lab members on laboratory and translational research studies
• Process patient blood for DNA and start permanent cell lines from cells upon arrival in lab
• Maintain DNA sequencer (SeqStudio) working properly
• Log and maintain cells in liquid nitrogen tanks
• Assist in care of experimental mouse populations and experiments

Financial Duties

• Obtain AU purchasing card for special orders
• Monitor funding and awarded grants.
• Track budget expenses
• Balance budgets (grants, departmental funds, and foundation)

Other

• Perform other related duties incidental to work described herein, which includes helping to train new students, residents, technicians, etc.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology or other natural, life, health care or materials science directly related to the research area to which the position is assigned and two years of experience in research, basic science or clinical laboratory particularly clinical trial research.

OR

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, cell biology or other natural, life, health care or materials science directly related to the research area to which the position is assigned and a minimum of five years' research and/or clinical experience; previous supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, multi-tasking and prioritization skills

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of the normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position)

Pay Band: 9

Salary Minimum $48,800.00/Annually - $61,000/Annually

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: 5/4/26 - Until Filled