Research Assistant I/II/III

Mercer University•Columbus, GA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The School of Medicine on the Columbus, Georgia campus is searching for a Research Assistant. The incumbent will provide research related to immunology and infectious disease. Ongoing projects in the lab include studying how sleep affects sepsis. The candidate should have a strong interest in research, excellent communication skills, a positive attitude and the ability to work as part of a diverse team. The candidate must be proficient in basic lab techniques. It is preferred for the candidate to have experience in some or all of the following: immunology/molecular biology assays (e.g. ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR), mouse handing, monitoring, husbandry, surgical and non-surgical animal procedures, and analysis of sleep, otherwise the candidate must be willing to learn these techniques. The candidate must have the ability to work under minimal supervision (after training), and show traits of a good scientist (integrity, accountability, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, organization and time management skills).

Requirements

Research Assistant I: Requires a bachelor's degree and some related research experience.
Research Assistant II: Requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum of one year of related research experience.
Research Assistant III: Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of related research experience, of which some of that time must be in a lead role, or a master's degree and one year of relevant research experience, of which some of that time must be in a lead role.
Proficiency in basic lab techniques.
Ability to work under minimal supervision (after training).
Traits of a good scientist (integrity, accountability, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, organization and time management skills).
Basic principles of scientific research methods and study design (for RA I).
Introductory understanding of medical or biomedical terminology (for RA I).
General knowledge of data collection methods (charts, surveys, lab records) (for RA I).
Accurate data entry and recordkeeping (for RA I).
Ability to follow written protocols and SOPs (for RA I).
Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, data entry systems, etc.) (for RA I).
Clear written and verbal communication (for RA I).
Time management and ability to prioritize assigned tasks (for RA I).
Ability to learn research procedures quickly and apply guidance (for RA I).
Ability to work effectively as part of a research team (for RA I).
Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy (for RA I).
Ability to interact professionally with faculty and staff (for RA I).
Working knowledge of clinical or translational research processes (for RA II).
Understanding of IRB submissions, amendments, and compliance requirements (for RA II).
Knowledge of study protocols, consent processes, and data quality standards (for RA II).
Familiarity with basic statistics and data management practices (for RA II).
Knowledge of institutional policies related to research billing, documentation, and audits (for RA II).
Proficient use of research databases (e.g., REDCap, EMR extraction, spreadsheets) (for RA II).
Problem-solving and protocol deviation identification (for RA II).
Professional communication with investigators, collaborators, and participants (for RA II).
Ability to work with minimal supervision (for RA II).
Ability to manage multiple studies or complex protocols (for RA II).
Ability to interpret and implement research procedures accurately (for RA II).
Advanced knowledge of clinical research regulations (FDA, OHRP, GCP) (for RA III).
In-depth understanding of study design, implementation, and lifecycle management (for RA III).
Knowledge of grant-funded research, reporting requirements, and timelines (for RA III).
Understanding of data analysis concepts and research outcomes (for RA III).
Knowledge of risk management, audits, and quality assurance in research (for RA III).
Ability to provide technical and functional leadership for research teams (for RA III).
Ability to anticipate compliance risks and implement corrective actions (for RA III).
Ability to contribute to strategic planning for research programs (for RA III).
Ability to serve as a subject-matter expert for research operations (for RA III).

Nice To Haves

Experience in immunology/molecular biology assays (e.g. ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR).
Experience in mouse handling, monitoring, husbandry, surgical and non-surgical animal procedures.
Experience in analysis of sleep.
Willingness to learn immunology/molecular biology assays (e.g. ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR).
Willingness to learn mouse handling, monitoring, husbandry, surgical and non-surgical animal procedures.
Willingness to learn analysis of sleep.
Knowledge of study design, implementation, and lifecycle management (for RA III).
Knowledge of grant-funded research, reporting requirements, and timelines (for RA III).
Understanding of data analysis concepts and research outcomes (for RA III).
Knowledge of risk management, audits, and quality assurance in research (for RA III).
Leadership and training of junior research staff (for RA III).
Development and revision of SOPs and study workflows (for RA III).
Advanced data management and collaboration with biostatisticians (for RA III).
Drafting reports, abstracts, and supporting materials for publications or grants (for RA III).
Stakeholder coordination with institutional leadership, sponsors, and investigators (for RA III).
Ability to independently manage high-risk or high-visibility studies (for RA III).

Responsibilities

Provide research related to immunology and infectious disease.
Conduct ongoing projects in the lab, including studying how sleep affects sepsis.
Perform basic lab techniques.
Learn and apply techniques such as immunology/molecular biology assays (e.g. ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR), mouse handling, monitoring, husbandry, surgical and non-surgical animal procedures, and analysis of sleep.
Work under minimal supervision after training.
Demonstrate traits of a good scientist including integrity, accountability, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
Collect and record data accurately.
Follow written protocols and SOPs.
Perform routine research tasks with supervision.
Conduct independent data collection, validation, and quality control.
Prepare IRB materials, regulatory binders, and study documentation.
Coordinate study visits and research activities.
Identify issues and recommend solutions.
Mentor or guide entry-level staff or students (for RA II).
Oversee complex or multi-site studies (for RA III).
Lead and train junior research staff (for RA III).
Develop and revise SOPs and study workflows (for RA III).
Manage complex data and collaborate with biostatisticians (for RA III).
Draft reports, abstracts, and supporting materials for publications or grants (for RA III).
Coordinate stakeholders with institutional leadership, sponsors, and investigators (for RA III).
Provide technical and functional leadership for research teams (for RA III).
Independently manage high-risk or high-visibility studies (for RA III).
Anticipate compliance risks and implement corrective actions (for RA III).
Contribute to strategic planning for research programs (for RA III).
Serve as a subject-matter expert for research operations (for RA III).