Research Assistant - Basic Science, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced
Research Assistant - Basic Science, Department of Pharmacy Practice 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.
Essential functions (job duties):
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory-based research. May assist in writing research protocols and preparing manuscripts autonomously 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. Assist in designing and performing experiments. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Communicate with Principal Investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.
Collect and log laboratory results 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 workstation.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Unique duties:
Perform molecular biology and microbiology experiments related to bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, pathogen adaptation, and host-pathogen interactions. Culture, maintain, and process bacterial isolates, human-derived specimens, and other research samples using appropriate biosafety, sterile-technique, contamination-control, and personal protective equipment procedures. Perform nucleic-acid workflows, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR setup, experimental controls, data capture, and quality-control documentation. Onboard and train students or trainees in laboratory procedures, safety requirements, contamination-control practices, and research documentation, without formal supervisory responsibility.
Qualifications:
Education Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 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 in performing basic research techniques preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to accurately follow research protocols and work independently as required.
- Ability to analyze, summarize, and interpret research findings and data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results.
- Knowledge of scientific integrity principles.
- Experience in cell, molecular, biological, and biochemical techniques.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment.
- Experience using Microsoft Office Suite software.
Preferred qualifications:
2-5 years of research experience in an academic, clinical, public health, or biotechnology laboratory. Experience with bacterial culture, nucleic-acid extraction, qPCR, or assay troubleshooting. Experience working with human-derived specimens or clinically relevant workflows. Familiarity with SOP development, QC logs, sample tracking systems, or regulated workflows. Experience supporting multi-investigator or translational projects. Interest in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, or host-pathogen biology.
School/College/Division:
H18 - Pharmacy & Health Science
Primary department:
H1823 - Pharmacy Practice
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Salary minimum: TBD
- Salary hire maximum: TBD
Working conditions:
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.
Job openings:
Background check requirements:
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.
