Lab Research Associate

Akron Children's Hospital; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio seeks a Lab Research Associate within the Department of Pediatrics Research Office to support translational research on hematologic disease, biomarker discovery, and device evaluation. This role collaborates with senior scientists, clinicians, engineers, and industry partners to move laboratory findings toward clinical implementation.

You will design experiments, manage patient-derived specimens, perform diverse assays, and contribute to validation studies,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field is required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in translational, clinical, or biomedical research.
• Oncology research experience is preferred.
• Experience with regulatory and quality systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments studying hematologic disease.
• Process and biobank patient-derived blood specimens.
• Perform molecular, cellular, immunologic, and biochemical assays.
• Develop and validate diagnostic and prognostic assays.
• Prepare validation reports and QC documentation; assess new technologies.
• Collaborate with engineers, clinicians, and industry to test diagnostic devices.
• Develop testing protocols and analyze device performance data.
• Coordinate specimen collection and processing for studies with protocol compliance.
• Support IRB submissions and regulatory documentation for translational work.
• Analyze data with statistical software and generate reports/manuscripts.
• Present findings to teams and contribute to publications and IP.
• Maintain GLP, GCP, CLIA, CAP, and FDA compliance.

Skills

Assay development

Biological specimens handling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field

Master's degree in a scientific field (preferred)

Job description

Summary

The Lab Research Associate resides within the Department of Pediatrics Research Office. The Research Associate supports Senior Scientists and Medical Faculty in executing translational research focused on hematologic disease. This role contributes to biomarker discovery, assay development, and device evaluation, moving laboratory findings toward clinical implementation in collaboration with clinicians, engineers, and industry partners.

Responsibilities

1. Design and execute laboratory experiments investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of hematologic disease, in support of Senior Scientist and Medical Faculty research programs.

2. Process, characterize, and store patient-derived blood specimens, supporting biobanking for clinical and research studies.

3. Perform molecular, cellular, immunologic, and biochemical assays, maintaining accurate SOPs and research records.

4. Develop, optimize, and validate laboratory assays for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic use, including analytical and clinical validation studies (sensitivity, specificity, precision, reproducibility).

5. Prepare validation reports and quality-control documentation; evaluate emerging technologies to improve assay performance.

6. Collaborate with engineers, clinicians, and industry partners to design, test, and verify diagnostic and research devices.

7. Develop device testing protocols, analyze performance data, and support integration of new devices into research and clinical workflows.

8. Coordinate specimen collection and processing for investigator-initiated and sponsored studies, ensuring protocol compliance.

9. Support IRB submissions, protocol development, and regulatory documentation for translational studies.

10. Analyze experimental data using statistical and visualization software; generate reports, manuscripts, and grant materials for Senior Scientists and Medical Faculty.

11. Present findings to research teams and stakeholders; contribute to publications, conference abstracts, and IP development.

12. Maintain compliance with GLP, GCP, CLIA, CAP, and FDA standards, and support laboratory inventory, equipment, and safety management.

Other information

Technical Expertise

1. Assay development, optimization, and validation is required.

2. Handling of human biological specimens, including blood is required.

3. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills is required.

4. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities is required.

Education and Experience

1. Education: Bachelor's degree in a scientific field or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training is required. Master's in a scientific field preferred.
2. Years of relevant experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in translational, clinical, or biomedical research required. Prefer previous oncology research experience.
3. Licensure: not applicable
4. Certification: not applicable
5. Years of supervisory experience: not applicable

Full Time

FTE: 1.000000

Status: Fixed Hybrid