Master's Level Research Assistant, General Pediatrics

Overview

JOB SUMMARY

The Cilvik laboratory is seeking a Master’s Level Research Assistant to conduct bench research related to maternal-fetal physiology (including placental structure and function) and developmental origins of chronic disease in nonhuman primates. Under general supervision of the principal investigator, the exceptional applicant will direct the functional operation of the bench laboratory and perform a variety of common and specialized complex tasks to advance an independent research project. A successful applicant will be responsible for lab organization and meticulous record-keeping in lab notebooks; biospecimen processing and storage; data recording and entry; ensuring adherence to lab regulatory guidelines; and optimization of existing and new benchtop laboratory assays. Assistance with anesthesia monitoring and sample collections in nonhuman primates is desired but not mandatory. The Cilvik laboratory aims to grow and expand over the next few years and to maintain a welcoming, collaborative, and positive environment. The successful applicant will be expected to provide direction, training, and guidance to students/trainees as needed. All lab members are encouraged to lead their own research projects and engage in professional development activities. Work will be performed at multiple locations in Winston-Salem (Downtown Campus-benchtop lab; Clarkson campus-preclinical animal studies).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Master's degree with four years experience in a research or laboratory setting; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements:

• Experience with optimization of basic laboratory techniques such as ELISA, qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence
• A willingness to learn, work with, or develop/optimize new laboratory techniques based on prior training or in collaboration with outside labs (e.g., mitochrondrial function assays, extracellular vesicles, organoid models, flow cytometry, multi-omics)
• Able to critically review scientific journals, abstracts, and other research literature to obtain or verify information and techniques
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, embraces teamwork and collaboration
• Organizational skills, recordkeeping, and data tracking
• The ability to work independently and reliably
• Basic Excel/Word/Powerpoint/Adobe functional computer literacy
• Operate and maintain laboratory supplies and ensure lab space is maintained appropriately
• Take initiative to identify opportunities for improvement and implementation
• Assist in training new personnel, students, and trainees

Desirable:

• Ability to analyze data, and prepare charts, graphs, reports, and presentations for dissemination
• Skills relevant to scientific writing and manuscript preparation
• Assistance with anesthesia monitoring and sample collections in nonhuman primates

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Obtains data in support of research-oriented activities by conducting physical, chemical, or biological tests, experiments, determinations, and observations. 
2.  Designs, develops, and constructs specialized instruments, equipment and apparatus as required for performance of research activities. 
3.  Assists in the development of new research procedures and techniques. 
4. Operates various electronic devices in the collection, tabulation, and calculation of data. 
5.  Assists in training new personnel, conducts performance reviews on assigned lab employees, and creates work schedules. 
6. Assists with planning and presenting classroom instructions and lectures. 
7. Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.