Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant/Associate - Dept. of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences 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.

Research Assistant:

JOB PURPOSE
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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data  to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.
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.

Research Associate:

JOB PURPOSE
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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

A Research Assistant and a Postdoc/Research Associate positions are open in the Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS), Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine (SOM), Detroit, Michigan. This position will be involved in NIH-funded projects to study the roles of microRNAs in corneal immunology and neuroimmune interaction in bacterial keratitis and ocular diseases using transgenic mouse models and human samples, with both in vitro and in vivo approaches, and molecular biology, cell biology and systems biology techniques. This position is responsible for the maintenance of lab, including reagents and supply ordering, making solutions, equipment maintenance, mouse colony maintenance, and conducting and/or assisting in experiments. The Research Associate position is responsible for project planning and management, experimental design and execution, data analysis, manuscript preparation, data presentation, assisting in student training and grant writing.

Research Assistant:

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   Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)
Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred. 

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

Research Associate:

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.

Research Assistant: Qualifications: A bachelor degree in biology or life sciences is required. Knowledge and skills required: 1) Basic knowledge and techniques in cell biology, e.g. cell culture, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, in situ hybridization; 2) Basic knowledge and technique in molecular biology, e.g. DNA, RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR; 3) Basic knowledge and skills in microscopy; 4) Basic computer skills, including word processing, excel, powerpoint, photoshop, internet browsing; 5) Good communication and organization skills; 4. A master degree in biology or life sciences is preferred. Previous research experiences in animal research, ocular research, and molecular and cellular biology research are preferred. Highly motivated candidates who have passion in medical research to advance their careers are encouraged to apply. Research Associate: Qualified candidates must have a MD and/or PhD degree(s) in ocular sciences, immunology, molecular biology, molecular genetics and cell biology. Knowledge and skills required: 1) Knowledge and techniques in cell biology, e.g. cell culture, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, in situ hybridization; 2) Knowledge and technique in molecular biology, e.g. DNA, RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, ELISA. 3) Knowledge and skills in microscopy; 4) Knowledge in statistics and bioinformatics; Computer skills, including word processing, excel, powerpoint, photoshop, internet browsing; 5) Good communication and organization skills; 4. Preferred Qualifications: Previous interdisciplinary research experience in ocular immunity and infectious disease, genomics and bioinformatics, excellent communication/writing skills and strong publication record are preferred. Highly self-motivated candidates with passion to such research are encouraged to apply. Application should include an updated c.v. and names and contact information of at least three references.

H06 - School of Medicine

H0603 - Ophthalmology Visual Anatomical Sciences

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

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum:
• Salary hire maximum:

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.

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

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.

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.