Research Specialist - Obal Lab

Position Responsibilities

Function as a specialist/technical expert in cell biology/ iPSC technology.

Investigate and perform critical analysis of current literature to develop novel approaches to understand of pharmacological and toxicological disturbance of early cardiovascular development.

Conduct research either independently or in conjunction with other investigators.

• Induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming and culture.
• Cardiomyocyte, endothelial, and smooth muscle cell differentiation using human iPSCs.
• Perform cardiomyocyte, endothelial cell, smooth muscle phenotype and molecular evaluation protocols.
• Extensive experience with cloning, gene-editing in iPSC.
• Subcutaneous injection of drugs in pregnant mice.

Facilities and Equipment Management

• Determine needs of the lab.
• Gather and determine specifications for highly specialized equipment and procure lab equipment.
• Determine software needs for projects.
• Maintain inventory and cell culture medium stock to ensure a flawless continuous operation of the lab.
• Care for general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and coordinate lab support when required.

Supervision/Staffing

• Develop training procedures for basic and high-level lab techniques and protocols.
• Become go-to person for grad-students and junior trainings for day-to-day questions.
• Develop evaluation tools for measuring the outcome of training, staff development, and staff performance.
• Help with hiring new staff and expand the laboratory according to NIH funding and projects.

Education Requirements

• A Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Experience Requirements

• A minimum of three years of related research experience.
• Demonstrated experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, maintenance, and differentiation.
• Demonstrated experience applying scientific principles to independently design, conduct, analyze, and interpret research studies.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining detailed research records and documentation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with scientific data analysis software and programming tools, including Microsoft Office, R, Python, and/or MATLAB.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet project deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• A PhD or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Five or more years of experience in iPSC biology, gene editing, and cardiovascular research.
• Experience with NIH-funded research projects, grant preparation, and manuscript development.