Sr Research Specialist

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

12d•$64,200 - $96,200•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Research Specialist provides direct research support at the senior professional level by being responsible for small and large, complex research projects that constitute major aspects of several larger research projects. Responsible for operation of a specialized research area or laboratory with one or more faculty members within a department. Operates with considerable latitude in unreviewed actions or decisions. May train technicians, undergraduate students, temporary lab personnel, pre-doctoral students and post-doctoral and medical fellows who join or work with the core laboratory in lab specific techniques. Provides guidance or directly supervises technicians and undergraduate students. May act as liaison with other departments, divisions or organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
5 years of related experience; or an equivalent; or a combination of education and experience required.
Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as in a collaborative setting required.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication required.
Ability to readily learn new experimental techniques required.
Strong analytical, communication, organizational and computer skills required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with investigators in writing protocols for the conduct of research which include: purposes of study, design of experiments, lists of materials and methods to be used and the schedule of activities. Assists faculty researchers in the design of research projects and in the preparation of research proposals.
Organizes research activities in accordance with approved protocols. Ensures that cell and animal availability are coordinated for transplantation. Disassociates and magnetically sorts primary neural tissue. Maintains cells in culture and prepares cells for transplantation.
Informs staff (technicians and undergraduate students) of their responsibilities in the project. Teaches laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures to graduate students and professional laboratory support staff. Counsels them on technical problems, advises and assists them with projects.
Develops and installs operating procedures for the laboratory as it pertains to lab safety, animal surgery and project procedures. Develops and modifies test methods such as stereological analysis, employing computer-assisted microscopy and histological procedures such as cryostat sectioning and immunohistochemistry.
Ensures that health and safety practices are maintained in accordance with University policy and the law, particularly standard lab safety procedures and UCAR/IBC guidelines.
Analyzes and evaluates experimental data and interprets results within the scope of the study; assesses the importance of findings in relation to the myelin project. Performs animal surgery.
Prepares written reports and presentations on all on-going projects, consisting of photomicrographs and statistical analyses of cell counts, which are used in the publication of articles. Assists in the final writing of research publications.
Keeps abreast of trends in field of interest by studying current research literature, abstracting scientific articles of value in the prosecution of research problems and by attending meetings, seminars and presenting research data.
Independently operates histological-related equipment and microscopes in the Goldman Lab, with responsibility for developing critical research data. Coordinates service support: repair of equipment, requisitioning of supplies and research materials and minor construction. May recommend expenditures for equipment. Authorizes expenditure for expendable supplies and maintenance.
Maintains contact with outside research laboratories, vendors and technical representatives concerning the myelin project. Orients visitors to the laboratory. Other duties as assigned