Research Specialist

Salary/Position Classification

• $52,057+/year annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability: No

Purpose of Position

This Research Specialist will assist the PI with the day-to-day operation of her research laboratory, including planning and performing experiments independently, analyzing and organizing data, preparing manuscripts for publication, and presenting the study results at internal and external scientific meetings. In addition, the Research Specialist will participate in training and supervising students and newer lab members. The Research Specialist will perform these responsibilities to support the PI’s research program advancement and teaching activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently, but with the PI's supervision, perform research research outlined by the PI as described in grant proposals. The research involves the use of animal models of food allergies and related models to elucidate the mechanism via which dietary allergens elicit pathogenic changes in the intestine and the brain.
  
  • Experimental manipulation of mice, including but not limited to intragastric, intraperitoneal, and intravenous administrations, blood collections, behavior testing, and tissue dissections
  • Analytical sample processing, including but not limited to flow cytometry, tissue and bacterial cultures, nucleic acid and protein isolation, detection, and quantification (electrophoresis, quantitative PCR, western blotting, ELISA, etc.), histological staining, and microscopy
  • Draft preparation of manuscripts for publications in scientific journals to disseminate research outcomes
  • Poster and oral presentation in scientific meetings with local, regional, national and/or international audience
  • Shared responsibilities of laboratory management to assist with day-to-day laboratory operation to facilitate research advancement, including but not limited to animal husbandry (mice), supply ordering and maintenance, etc. 
    
    
• The position allows independent research opportunities within the scope of the PI's research area. Under the PI's supervision, develop small-scale projects related to the area of neuroscience and/or immunology relevant to but distinct from the PI's ongoing research.
  
  • Develop small-scale projects within the scope of laboratory interests
  • Seek external funding support to perform the projects 
    
    
• Teaching and training
  
  • Assist newer members of the laboratory, such as new and/or rotating graduate students, undergraduate students, and other visiting students and fellows
  • Assist in graduate-level courses if requested  

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of the physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous systems
• Demonstrable technical expertise with methodology in neuroscience and/or immunology in many of the following areas: handling, behavior assessments, and blood/tissue collection of rodents; immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence; microscopy; flow cytometry; mammalian cell and microbe handling and culture, molecular biology
• Knowledge of routine computational software used for image and data analyses and presentations, including but not limited to Adobe Photoshop or equivalent image analysis software, GraphPad or equivalent statistical software, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook software
• Demonstrated ability to independently complete complex research programs with highly developed organization and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate efficiently and clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to multi-task and complete assigned projects promptly
• Ability to process and analyze data efficiently and produce results within a reasonable timeframe
• Ability to work independently and seek advice and/or assistance when needed
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Immunology, neurobiology, microbiology, other related field
• Five or more years of research experience in immunology, neurobiology, microbiology, or other relevant fields
• Minimum of three years of experience working with mice a lab setting
• Two or more first- and/or co-author publications in a peer-reviewed biomedical journal focused on neuroscience or immune-related disease
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S., or Ph.D.) in the field of immunology, neurobiology, microbiology, or other biomedical sciences
• Three or more years of experience working with mouse models with proficiency in mouse handling, including intragastric, intraperitoneal, and intravenous administration, blood collections, behavior testing, and biological tissue dissections
• Five or more first- and/or co-author publications in a peer-reviewed biomedical journal focused on neuroscience or immune-related disease
• Experience in animal behavior testing with analysis software, flow cytometry, cell culture, western blotting, ELISA, RT-qPCR, histological tissue processing and staining techniques, light, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy

To Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter, and any supporting documents.