Research Senior Associate- Neurology

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Neurology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center seeks a Research Senior Associate to design, execute, and manage research projects investigating epigenomic and transcriptomic mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases in a foundational biological/health science laboratory.

The role collaborates with the principal investigator to plan studies, oversee data collection and analysis, and contribute to manuscripts, reports,

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (or equivalent) with strong knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Hands-on expertise in biochemical and molecular techniques (DNA/RNA analysis, Western blotting, IHC, microscopy).
• Experience with omics methods including single-cell and spatial omics is desirable.
• Strong project management, leadership, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage research projects on epigenomic and transcriptomic mechanisms in neurodegeneration.
• Plan data collection, processing, analysis, and interpret findings; contribute to manuscripts and presentations.
• Assist PI with grant proposals, budget oversight, safety/compliance, and supervise staff and students.
• Coordinate procurement, equipment maintenance, and data reporting; ensure regulatory compliance.

Job description

The Department of Neurology seeks a Research Senior Associate to design, execute, and manage research projects investigating epigenomic and transcriptomic mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseasesin a foundational biological/health science laboratory. Working in close collaboration with the principal investigator (PI), the incumbent develops and implements study goals and objectives, conceptualizes and conducts moderately complex laboratory experiments, and applies advanced molecular, cellular, or other specialized techniques. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and overseeing data collection, processing, and analysis; interpreting research findings; and developing or refining methodologies, experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical approaches. The Research Senior Associate establishes research controls, criteria, and standards, performs critical literature reviews, and contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations for national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars.

The role assists the PI in preparing grant proposals to secure new or renewal extramural funding, identifies potential funding sources, and participates in budget development and expense monitoring. Additional responsibilities include ensuring laboratory safety and regulatory compliance (OSHA, local, state, and federal), overseeing proper disposal and maintenance of regulated materials, and managing daily laboratory operations. The incumbent trains and supervises research staff and students, coordinates procurement of supplies and equipment, provides technical oversight, and manages service contracts and repairs. This position requires strong project management, technical expertise, and leadership skills to advance the department’s research mission.

The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree (or equivalent experience) with strong theoretical knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, molecular biology, and biochemistry, and has preferably conducted laboratory research on molecular alterations in neurodegeneration, including transcriptional and cell biology analysis, epigenomics, and circadian biology. They should have proven hands-on expertise in biochemical and molecular techniques, such as DNA/RNA isolation and analysis, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and tissue culture, as well as advanced omics methods, including nuclear isolation and library preparation for single-cell and spatial omics. Experience with mouse colony management, breeding, surgery, and behavioral testing is required. The candidate should excel in experimental design, adapt methods to achieve results, integrate data from multiple sources to draw sound conclusions, and critically read scientific literature to inform their experiments. Experience developing hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and writing manuscripts is highly desirable, as is a record of contributing innovative ideas and techniques to complex, multidisciplinary, milestone-driven projects in a collaborative setting. Strong organizational skills are essential, including laboratory management, record-keeping, supply ordering, and logistics, along with proficiency in software applications for producing reports, graphs, spreadsheets, and data tracking and analysis.

Requires successful completion of a background check; qualified candidates may be asked to complete a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen.

Thank you for your interest in working at Ohio State.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.