IV - Endocrinology - Nakamura Lab

Cincinnati Children's

4d•$42,786 - $72,488

About The Position

The Nakamura Lab at Cincinnati Children’s seeks a Research Assistant to support research on obesity and metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Using mouse and cell culture models, the lab studies how RNA networks affect glucose and lipid metabolism, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic approaches. The role includes designing and performing experiments, following and formulating research protocols, analyzing and interpreting data, and maintaining detailed laboratory records. The Research Assistant may train and mentor laboratory personnel, contribute to scientific reports and publications, and help develop, verify, and improve laboratory procedures and assays. Additional duties include laboratory administration, equipment troubleshooting, inventory and supply management, quality checks, safety training, and oversight of compliance matters as requested by the Principal Investigator. The position also serves as a resource by sharing expertise and supporting the development of team members.

Requirements

For Research Assistant II: high school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
For Research Assistant III: bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1 year of directly related experience, or a master’s degree in a related field.
For Research Assistant IV: bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3 years of experience in a related job discipline, or a master’s degree and 2 years of experience.

Nice To Haves

For Research Assistant II, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and perform experiments, record data, and follow or formulate research protocols.
Reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve laboratory techniques; analyze data and perform statistical and graphical analyses; interpret results.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory work and experiments.
Assist in training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment.
Contribute to and write material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts; participate in laboratory meetings, presentations, and publications.
Potentially mentor junior staff, help resolve complex issues, provide education and work direction, and provide managers with input on hiring, professional development, and performance management.
Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or laboratory equipment problems.
Provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) training according to regulations and conduct regular quality and reproducibility checks.
Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment; operate laboratory apparatus and equipment.
Assist with daily laboratory operations, including answering phones, maintaining supplies, organization, and cleanliness.
Provide appropriate oversight for required compliance issues as requested by the Principal Investigator.
Develop, set up, and verify new procedures; standardize published procedures and evaluate innovative techniques.
Participate in developing new assays and testing protocols; modify existing procedures to troubleshoot or accommodate research design changes.
Share knowledge, experience, and skills with team members; stay current with changes in key systems and serve as an expert resource to the department and/or hospital.