Sr. Research Specialist- IL- Precision Medicine

Summary

The Sr. Research Specialist provides essential research support to the He Laboratory on an NIH-funded project under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). The successful candidate will contribute to the design and execution of research experiments data collection and analysis and the preparation of figures presentations and manuscripts based on the research findings. This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently designs executes and optimizes standard biochemical experiments (e.g. Western blotting qRT-PCR immunohistochemistry) ensuring high-quality and reproducible results.
• Maintain transgenic mouse colony. Proficient in handling mice and performing drug administration behavioral testing and tissue dissection & harvesting ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards.
• Provides training and supervision to students and junior research staff fostering technical development and adherence to lab best practices.
• Identifies technical challenges develops and implements effective troubleshooting strategies and innovative solutions.
• Leads the development validation and implementation of new experimental protocols and methodologies.
• Performs data analysis interpretation and visualization.
• Conducts comprehensive literature reviews to inform experimental design identify emerging methodologies.
• Maintains thorough accurate and audit-ready lab notebook in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness repair and organization of lab
• Responsible for recordkeeping maintenance and disposal associated with lab equipment and chemicals
• Adheres to laboratory safety procedures
• Contributes to abstract submissions and poster preparation

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular predictable in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform 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. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to perform independent experiments be flexible and willing to occasionally work outside regular hours and be capable of working with mice. Preferred qualifications include research experience in pain-related in vivo studies and experience with optogenetics chemogenetics or stereotaxic microinjections.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word Excel PowerPoint) required. Experience with Statistics Graphing and Imaging software is preferred.

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.

This individual is frequently required to stand walk sit use hands to finger handle or feel reach with hands and arms talk and hear. This individual is occasionally required to climb or balance stoop kneel crouch or crawl taste or smell. This individual is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Close and distance vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes ability to distinguish depth and shades of grey scale.

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 withall federal state and local laws and regulations. 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