Research Associate - Department of Physiology

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University is seeking a Research Associate for the Department of Physiology on the Detroit campus. The role supports laboratory-based, clinical or population science research under the Principal Investigator.

Responsibilities include designing experiments, recruiting participants, collecting data and preparing findings for publication. Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience, with strong analytical and collaborative abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 2 years of job-related experience preferred.
• Experience with basic research techniques is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical assistance for laboratory-based, clinical or population science research.
• Design and perform research protocols independently or with training.
• Recruit participants and develop surveys for studies; interview candidates.

Skills

Independent work

Data analysis

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Research Associate – Department of Physiology

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate – Department of Physiology 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)

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.

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.

Prepare and present presentations regarding research results for professional, scientific and academic conferences. Summarize and organize data results for submittal to academic and scholarly, peer‑reviewed journals. Write scientific manuscripts and other documents for publication. Fact‑check, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.

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

We are looking for an individual interested in being involved in studies that are designed to examine the role of cardio‑respiratory plasticity in promoting breathing stability and reducing blood pressure in individuals with sleep apnea. We are examining if the release of neuromodulators that occurs in response to exposure to mild episodes of intermittent hypoxia initiates increased upper airway muscle activity in individuals with sleep apnea. Our results will determine if intermittent hypoxia can be used as an adjunctive therapy, in combination with continuous positive airway pressure, to reduce the pressure required to treat sleep apnea. Our studies will also begin to examine the role that intermittent hypoxia has in initiating beneficial cardiovascular adaptations in individuals with sleep apnea. Responsibilities will include data collection and analysis of sleep, ventilatory and cardiovascular parameters.

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: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job‑related experience).

Experience performing basic research techniques, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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

Preferred qualifications

In addition, the candidate will contribute to poster, oral and manuscript preparation so familiarity with standard software packages is preferred.

School/College/Division

H06 – School of Medicine

Primary department

H0606 – Physiology

Employment type

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

Funding/salary information

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

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.

The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.