Research Associate II

ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS A TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE. FLU VACCINES ARE REQUIRED. ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAWS.

This position has been designated as safety sensitive and cannot be filled by a candidate who is a current user of medical marijuana.

CURRENT EMPLOYEES: Please apply via the internal career site by logging into your Workday Account (https://www.myworkday.com/archildrens/)and search the "Find Jobs" report.

Work Shift:

Please see job description for details.

Time Type:

Full time

Department:

CC033020 Clinical Research Operations

Summary:

ACRI is seeking a qualified, motivated Research Associate (Research Technician level II) to join a busy and well-funded laboratory of Dr. Siddaiah. The qualified personnel will be able to work independently with experience in cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques. This lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of miRNAs and transcriptomics on vascular remodeling in the context of pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants with chronic lung disease.

The primary responsibilities will include developing, designing, managing and executing experiments applying Cell culture (cell treatment, harvesting, transfection), as well as molecular biology techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, exosome isolation, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, ELISAs, immunohistochemistry). The position will require processing of human saliva, tracheal aspirate, blood, stool and urine samples under approved protocols. This position may require working with research subject screening and consenting and aliquoting samples before storing in the freezer and maintaining a log of samples. Maintain inventory of raw materials, buffers and reagents record keeping. Order all equipment/items for the laboratory (staying within budget and allowable) for all grants as well as general lab needs. This position will request price quotes and PO's.

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate a proficient knowledge of principles, practices and procedures required to complete complex assignments. As part of the process, this position will be expected to take responsibility for the following areas of research:- Manage small projects, including determining feasibility of goals and objectives and assuring the project is being conducted in the most cost and time-efficient manner.- Review progress and evaluate results- Responsible for identifying approaches to troubleshooting processes by proposing various technical solutions and methods of executing said solutions.- Must be knowledgeable and up to date on the latest techniques and research equipment that is specific to this lab and this complex research. This may include extending technology into new application areas. Also, advise the Senior PI with updated solutions and troubleshooting solutions as necessary.- Expected to develop new techniques, concepts, programs and solutions and apply them to complex issues- Utilize graphics and statistical software to analyze data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation.

It is required for the incumbent to regularly and effectively communicate with the PI and the team, maintain high degree of professionalism, demonstrate time management and priority setting skills, and possess flexibility to work in a dynamic environment, keeping in mind that occasionally some of the cell line work which might need flexible working hours.

Additional Information:

Required Education:

High school diploma or GED or equivalent

Recommended Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.

Required Work Experience:

High School Diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience, or 4 years of experience in lieu of a diploma/GED.

Recommended Work Experience:

Required Certifications:

Recommended Certifications:

Description

1. Responsible for the operation of various Lab equipment. Conducts experiments on various samples provided by lab users.

2. Quantitates various nutrients, chemicals, drugs and/or metabolites, ensuring quality and accurate results are provided and rewarded according to protocol. Performs genotyping and methylation assays, DNA QC analysis, and DNA,RNA, and NGS fragment analysis using multiple types of equipment.

3. Responsible for sample reception, storage, tracking, and distribution. Provides insight to project development with lab clients.

4. Responsible for extractions of metabolites and DNA extractions from a variety of biological substrates. Created detailed reports and maintains records of varied ongoing lab projects.

5. Maintains all laboratory equipment to ensure its in proper working condition and keeps records of equipment maintenance including service contract maintenance schedules. Instructs other personnel in labs in laboratory techniques and sample preparation.

6. Uses and disposes of radioactive and hazardous chemicals appropriately as required by law. Maintain lab safety regulations and organization, purchase reagents, assays, consumables and equipment.

7. Trains new technical staff on proper operation of lab equipment and associated protocols.

8. Performs other duties as assigned.