Research Assistant - Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit, MI seeks a Research Assistant in the Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences to support lab-based and clinical/population research. Under supervision, you will assist in writing protocols and preparing manuscripts, design experiments, and recruit study participants.

The role involves data collection, analysis, and presenting findings; you will maintain lab records, assist with equipment maintenance, and help prepare conference submissions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Entry level (less than a year of job-related experience) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory-based scientific techniques or clinical/population science research.
• Recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.
• Collect and log laboratory results and data; analyze data and present results.

Job description

Research Assistant - Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant - Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

Essential Functions:

• Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.
• Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.
• Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated.
• Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.
• Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.
• Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

The Landowski laboratory in the Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences is seeking a Research Assistant. The Research Assistant will help the Landowski laboratory with its animal colonies, routine laboratory experiments, and laboratory duties. The position is for two years, with the possibility of a contract extension for additional time, contingent upon job performance and the laboratory’s needs.Manages mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, and genotyping. Assists PI with animal experiments as needed.

• Independently executes routine laboratory tasks, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, RNA isolation, protein isolation, and Western blot analysis, as trained by the principal investigator.
• Image and analyze images of retinal tissues using confocal, electron, and light microscopy.
• Assist PI with ordering laboratory supplies, training staff, shipping materials, and maintaining electronic records.
• Compile and update research protocols for animal and biosafety compliance, as well as for routine laboratory techniques.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience: Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)

Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Preferred qualifications:

Applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in any biomedical science and have previous training in a laboratory setting. Applicants with knowledge of mouse husbandry are preferred.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0603

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum:
• Salary hire maximum: $40,000.00

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.