Expected Starting Salary Range: 26.42 - 32.71

What if you could work in a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, surgeons, bioengineers and entrepreneurs with the common goal of accelerating discovery and facilitating bench-to-bedside translation of organoid technology (https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/c/custom/about)?

At CuSTOM Accelerator, we work at the intersection of academia and industry to develop organoid-based platforms that provide an unprecedented opportunity to bridge preclinical and clinical trials, revolutionize personalized medicine and improve patient care.

CuSTOM Accelerator is looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant IV to join our growing team. As an integrated member of our team, the applicant will provide intellectual input and take part in our research meetings, establish and execute various laboratory procedures, maintain and differentiate stem cell cultures, perform assays, BF/IF imaging, and other technical duties as needed. The applicant will be an integral part of the Accelerator Team supporting the execution of contract research projects and ensuring the delivery of high-impact, biological data that impacts key decisions across the drug discovery pipeline. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with multiple functional groups and be part of the development of a new and exciting technologies.

Main responsibilities of the Research Assistant IV include, but are not be limited to:

• Perform cell culture tasks and maintain cultures to support ongoing research and project need

• Conduct experiments related to seeding, maintenance, differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells and subsequent analysis for appropriate readout

• Complete immunofluorescent staining, epifluorescence and confocal image acquisition and analysi

• Perform RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and qPCR for gene expression analysi

• Contribute to the methods development for cell culture, experimental protocols, automation and novel readouts aligned to specific project need

• Document all laboratory activities, protocols, and analysis methods in a laboratory notebook

• Contribute to writing and figure generation for presentations, scientific reports, and publication

• Occasional weekend/after hours work will be required.

REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and perform experiments and record data

Follow and formulate both existing and new research protocols. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used. Analyze data, perform statistical and graphical analysis of data, and interpret results. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments. Assist in training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment. Contribute and write material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications.

• Develop, set-up, and verify new procedures in the lab

Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Participate in the development of new assays and testing of new protocols. Modify existing procedures as necessary to troubleshoot or make modifications based on changes in research design.

• Lab Administration

Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) training according to regulations. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Assists in daily operations of the laboratory including answering phone, maintaining lab supplies, organization, and cleanliness. Provide appropriate oversight for all required compliance issues as requested by the Principal Investigator.

• Leadership

May act as a mentor to more junior staff, serve as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance and work direction. May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development and performance management.

• Serve as a Resource

Demonstrate advanced competence in specific knowledge, skills and behaviors. Effectively communicate with team members and contribute to their growth by sharing knowledge, experience, and skills; stay abreast of changes in key systems; serve as an expert resource to the department, and/or hospital in specific area(s).

Qualifications:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field

• 3 years of experience in related job discipline OR Master's degree and 2 years experience

Preferred:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology/Biochemistry or other relevant field with a minimum of 1-3 years of tissue culture experience

• Proficiency in cell culture techniques including thawing and passaging cells, cryopreservation

• Experience with stem cell differentiation in 2D or 3D organoid models is highly desirable

• Proficiency in molecular biology procedures such qPCR or single cell RNAseq is highly desirable

• Ability to maintain multiple cell lines concurrently is essential.

• Experience with mouse or human stem cell culture is strongly preferred.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and efficiently as part of a multi-disciplinary team

• Ability to work under pressure and multitask

• Ability to analyze and interpret data.

• Be a self-starter with the ability to take on several projects at one time.

• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, and analytical skills.

• Highly motivated, with the ability to work in a team of matrix-project based reports.

• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment.

Cincinnati Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and treasures Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families (EEO/AA).