Sr. Research Specialist - AZ - College of Veterinary Medicine

Midwestern University • Glendale, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Research Specialist is a full-time staff position in the College of Veterinary Medicine. This position 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 position 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 Sr. 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.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree with 6-8 years of full-time research experience or a research thesis-based master’s degree relevant to the area of study with 5-7 years of full-time research experience.
• Candidates with a doctoral degree will be considered.
• 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 have a track record of peer-review publications or co-authorship on abstracts, posters, or presentations at significant national or international meetings.
• Candidates must also be able to work independently following an initial training period.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in genomics and proteomics data management is highly desired.
• Experience with R and GraphPad Prism desirable.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes expertise to provide input and assist faculty in the development of new experimental protocols and procedures for scientific investigations.
• Troubleshoot, problem solve and provide workable solutions to technical issues related to experimental protocols and data acquisition.
• Ensures implementation and oversee all experiments in the faculty’s laboratory.
• Contributes to publication of research results including preparing drafts of abstracts, posters, and/or manuscripts for faculty review.
• 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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level