SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

 The Donahue lab is working to define mechanisms of abnormal heart rhythms, and from that information, to develop novel therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT).  As a means to that end, the lab has developed several gene therapy methods and created novel pig models of AF and VT.  We were first to show efficacy of gene therapy for a cardiac arrhythmia in a 12/2000 Nature Medicine publication.  That work was cited as one of the top 10 advances in cardiac research for the year by the American Heart Association.  We have also shown preclinical efficacy for elimination of atrial fibrillation and post-myocardial infarction ventricular arrhythmias in our pig models, using a variety of treatment strategies with gene therapy.  Our ongoing interests include the investigation of mechanisms for post-infarct VT and chronic AF, the development of improved gene delivery methods, and the use of these methods for arrhythmia gene therapy.

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator or designee, the Research Associate II performs a variety of complex research experiments and is responsible for overseeing laboratory operations within the Department.

This is a part-time, non-benefited position. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform complex laboratory experiments and conduct in-depth analysis of research experiments
• Write standard operating procedures, schedule work, analyze data, maintain accurate records, and write reports
• Report the status of projects and observations to the Department Chair
• Ensure departmental computer resources remain functional and provide on-site support to Investigators as requested
• Design and execute protocols and experiments, modify protocols as needed, and may be responsible for own research project
• Manage laboratory research staff
• Responsible for overall laboratory organization including oversight of safety protocols and the maintenance of related records 
• May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals
• Long-range planning for laboratory and departmental equipment maintenance and replacement. Assist in procurement of departmental equipment. Responsible for physical inventory of all equipment, and maintaining records of all equipment acquired, moved off-site, or discarded
• Oversee and coordinate the use of centralized departmental facilities
• Work with Facilities Engineering, Environmental Health and Safety, and Radiation Safety to ensure department facilities and laboratories are in compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations
• Assist in writing the text of scientific publications and grants.  Review literature
• Oversee and assist in the training of new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators
• Comply with all safety and infection control standards
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in the Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience
• 5 years of relevant research experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience with chronic animal models, laboratory equipment, and basic laboratory skills is needed.

• Prior experience with sterile technique, surgical procedures, preferably in large mammals and animal care.

• Bachelor's degree with emphasis in biology or veterinary or medical sciences preferred.
• Previous experience with IACUC protocols and procedures and with Good Laboratory Practice guidelines is helpful.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, or designee

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 

Supervise aides, technicians, and associates

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Wet chemistry laboratory, and may require appropriate contact with biohazards, radionuclides, toxins, animals, and human specimens