Sr Research Specialist

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with investigators in writing protocols for the conduct of research which include: purposes of study, design of experiments, lists of materials and methods to be used and the schedule of activities.
• Aids faculty researchers in the design of research projects and in the preparation of research proposals.
• Organizes research activities in accordance with approved protocols.
• Ensures that cell and animal availability are coordinated for transplantation.
• Disassociates and magnetically sorts primary neural tissue.
• Maintains cells in culture and prepares cells for transplantation.
• Informs staff (technicians and undergraduate students) of their responsibilities in the project.
• Trains laboratory staff in laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures.
• Counsels and assists laboratory staff with projects.
• Develops and installs operating procedures for the laboratory as it pertains to lab safety, animal surgery and project procedures.
• Develops and modifies test methods such as stereological analysis, employing computer-assisted microscopy and histological procedures such as cryostat sectioning and immunohistochemistry.
• Ensures that health and safety practices are maintained in accordance with University policy and the law, particularly standard lab safety procedures and UCAR/IBC guidelines.
• Analyzes and evaluates experimental data and interprets results within the scope of the study; assesses the importance of findings in relation to the myelin project.
• Performs animal surgery.
• Prepares written reports and presentations on all ongoing projects, consisting of photomicrographs and statistical analyses of cell counts, which are used in the publication of articles.
• Aids in the final writing of research publications.
• Keeps abreast of trends in field of interest by studying current research literature, abstracting scientific articles of value in the prosecution of research problems and by attending meetings, seminars and presenting research data.
• Independently operates histological-related equipment and microscopes in the Goldman Lab, with responsibility for developing critical research data.
• Coordinates service support: repair of equipment, requisitioning of supplies and research materials and minor construction.
• May recommend expenditures for equipment.
• Authorizes expenditure for expendable supplies and maintenance.
• Maintains contact with outside research laboratories, vendors and technical representatives concerning the myelin project.
• Orients visitors to the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent; or a combination of education and experience required.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as in a collaborative setting required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication required.
• Ability to readily learn new experimental techniques required.
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational and computer skills required.