Sr. Research Associate 3, SOM (A)

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Diabetes Research Institute has an exciting opportunity for a full time Sr. Research Associate 3, SOM (A) position. The incumbent conducts highly specialized and complex research in support of the division’s research goals and objectives and assumes responsibility for the successful operations of the laboratory. The incumbent also supervises the activities of all laboratory staff and users and serves as subject matter expert and mentor to less experienced staff.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                           

• Contributes to basic and applied research activities by collecting and analyzing data.

• Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.

• Maintains an overview of relevant research findings.

• Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.

• Designs, evaluates, and implements methods and protocols for assigned research projects.

• Recommends purchase of new equipment for research projects.

• Writes scientific articles and manuscripts for publication and presentation.

• Oversees and ensures the safe handling of radioactive and hazardous materials.

• Prepares analytical reports relative to research data.

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                        

• Master’s Degree in relevant field

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

Department Specific Functions

The primary responsibility for this position is the overall operation of the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) Histology core facility to support the research of DRI investigators. This includes preparing human and animal tissue samples by fixing, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining them onto slides for microscopic examination, allowing for the analysis of tissue as needed by the investigators. This requires precise handling of specimens, operating specialized equipment like microtomes and stainers, and adhering to strict quality control measures within a laboratory setting.

In addition to the preparation of samples for downstream analysis, other duties  include maintaining quality controls with regards to reagent and equipment, ordering supplies as needed and general maintenance of the histology lab.

Key responsibilities include:

•         Specimen reception and processing:

• Receiving tissue samples from surgery, biopsy, or autopsy, logging them accurately, and initiating the fixation process with appropriate chemicals.

• Tissue embedding:

  • Surrounding the tissue with paraffin wax to create a solid block for sectioning.

• Microtomy:

  • Cutting thin sections of tissue using a microtome, ensuring proper orientation and minimizing artifacts.

• Staining techniques:

  • Applying various stains to tissue sections to highlight specific cellular components and features for analysis.

• Slide preparation:

  • Mounting tissue sections onto microscope slides.

• Quality control:

  • Performing routine checks on reagents, stains, and equipment to maintain accuracy and consistency.

• Special staining procedures:

  • Performing specialized