POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas. The research assistant will focus on characterizing aspects of respiratory system development in rodents using various molecular techniques. The research objectives relate to assessing how lung development is affected by early stressors (e.g. inflammation) using rodent models to mimic respiratory complications experienced by preterm infants. The laboratory uses a combination of techniques involving animals, cell cultures and stem cells to model lung disease. This position will work with animals. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Work independently and with the principal investigator to carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature, involving various molecular techniques to assess lung development. Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Maintain tissue collection for analysis of morphology using a wide range of molecular techniques. Maintain tissue cultures (e.g. stem cells, epithelial and smooth muscle cells) and perform tissue analysis using basic molecular techniques such as immunohistochemistry, western blots, microscopy and imaging, and other in vitro systems. (40%) 
2. Devise new protocols and techniques for optimization of molecular studies involving research projects with a high degree of skill and training. Work independently to resolve technical hurdles. (10%) 
3. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures related to in vitro methods and analyze data collected from molecular studies. (10%)
4. Work closely with the principal investigator for discussion of data and optimization of experimental protocols. Meet at least weekly to provide and discuss research progress. (6%) 
5. May supervise students and technicians on individual and/or collaborative projects related to tissue collection and analysis. Facilitate operations of fellow lab member projects as part of a standard collaborative environment. (7%)
6. May co-author research projects, depending on the scope of the work and criteria for meeting authorship per journal guidelines. (6%)
7. May monitor the laboratory budget related to funding obtain for the studies. Purchase supplies necessary to perform experiments. (7%)

8. Manage animal handling, rearing of offspring, and injection of test compounds. Oversee satellite animal housing monitoring, including record keeping of housing conditions, and animal numbers. (6%)

    

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Attend conferences to present data. (3%)

2. Maintain general lab operations such as organizing and monitoring supplies and perform other general house-keeping duties such as facilitating annual progress reports, and health and safety records as assigned. (5%)

    

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with fellow lab members working on overlapping studies but with separate responsibilities. Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow. Regular interactions with clinical and research faculty including the principal investigator for various meetings and summarize progress and updates.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Interact with, oversee, and facilitate trainees and occasional summer students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within respiratory physiology. Expertise in various molecular techniques includ