Sr. Research Specialist AZ College of Veterinary Medicine

Summary

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 (SOPs) collect and manage research data analyze research data write draft reports and initiate and manage an archive for research study addition theSr. Research Specialistwill be responsible for ordering and managing research supplies and complying with the expectations and SOPs of the Midwestern University Biosafety Committee and Radiation Safety Committees.

Essential Duties and 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 facultys 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

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. This individual must have the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and must have regular predictable in-person accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A Bachelors degree with 6-8 years of full-time research experience or a research thesis-based masters 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 Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word Excel Outlook PowerPoint). Proficiency in genomics and proteomics data management is highly desired. Experience with R and GraphPad Prism desirable.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job the employee is occasionally required to stand walk use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to sit talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Interactions with live and/or dead animals may be required and this individual must not have allergies to dogs cats or horses. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses one in Downers Grove Illinois and the other in Glendale Arizona. More than 6000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine dentistry pharmacy physician assistant studies physical therapy occupational therapy nurse anesthesia cardiovascular perfusion podiatry optometry clinical psychology speech language pathology biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning respect for all members of the health care team service interdisciplinary scholarly activity and personal growth.

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 holidays 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.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past current or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class in accord with all federal state and local laws and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

Required Experience:

Senior IC