Research Assistant II/III - Immunobiology - Grimes Lab
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Job Description

At Cincinnati Children's, we come to work with one goal: to make children's health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children's.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Has Been Named:

• Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 children's hospital in the nation
• One of four Medical Centers making the list of the 2022 Glassdoor Best Places to Work
• A Top Hospital and Health System for Diversity recognized by DiversityInc
• One of the nation's most innovative companies by Fortune in March 2023
• An LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer in 2022 by The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Grimes lab is seeking a research assistant who can conduct independent and directed scientific studies focused on understanding the biological mechanisms responsible for normal and malignant hematopoiesis. We utilize transgenic mouse models, patient samples, multi-omics approaches, and iPSC/organoid technologies to determine the effect of infection and molecular oncology on hematopoiesis. Our research team's goal is to provide relevant functional insight into hematological diseases like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), severe congenital neutropenias (SCN), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that may inform new avenues for therapeutic intervention. The RA will assist with lab upkeep, complete experiments including flow cytometric assessment, cell culture maintenance (iPSC and AML cell lines), iPSC derived organoid generation and maintenance, iPSC to HSPC differentiation, and analyze and present generated data.

REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform experiments and record data
Follow established research protocols. Understand the scientific principles involved in the research. Apply those principles to troubleshoot and modify procedures and techniques when appropriate. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments in both physical lab notebook and location of data on the laboratory's shared drive. Analyze data and perform statistical and graphical analysis of data. Design and execute daily laboratory experiments in coordination with senior laboratory personnel. Apply standard protocols to specific experiments with the capability of reproducing experimental results. Maintains an active role in laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications. Contributes material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts. Able to orally present data in group presentations. Assists in training new laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment. A strong background in molecular biology and experience with cell culture and maintenance of cell lines required. Experience with flow cytometry (>4 colors),molecular DNA and RNA techniques, immunoblotting, and iPSC cell culturing and maintenance is preferred.

•Lab Administration
Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Troubleshoot and/or make modifications as necessary to established procedures. Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Maintain in vitro cell lines, including iPSC derived cells from healthy and AML patient specimens. Operate standard laboratory equipment, including flow cytometers and cell sorters. Willing and able to assist in daily operations of the laboratory including answering the phone, maintaining lab supplies, organization, and cleanliness. Maintains optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality checks. Provides appropriate safety monitoring checks as assigned (radiation safety, biosafety, etc.). Preparation of and amending of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

•Serve as a Resource
Demonstrate competence in biomedical research, skills and behaviors related to hematopoiesis related research. 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 a resource to the department in specific area(s), specifically iPSC culture and iPSC to HSPC differentiation in an AML context.

•Research and improve current methods
Utilize internal and external resources to reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques, bring in new techniques or modify existing techniques based on current literature. Evaluate innovative techniques for feasibility and troubleshoot to optimize protocols. Applicant must be willing to collaborate with other core services at CCHMC including the Pluripotent Stem Cell Faciliity (PSCF) and the Humanized Mouse Resource (HMR).

•Teamwork/Soft skills
Maintain/manage strong working relationships with colleagues inside and outside of the laboratory. Respond to requests from superiors (senior lab personnel and PI) quickly and effectively, along with feasibility of the suggested timeline to completion. Identify and understand the laboratory's needs and expectations and meets them. Communicate any relevant information to colleagues and supervisors, including any scheduling conflicts.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required for RAII:

•High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline OR

Preferred:

•Bachelor's degree in a related field

Required for RAIII:

•Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience OR Master's degree in a related field

Expected Starting Salary Range: 20.02 - 24.40 (RAII) 24.30 - 28.46 (RAIII)

Market Leading Benefits Including*:

• Shift Differential, Weekend Differential, and Weekend Option Pay Programs
• Medical coverage starting day 1 of employment. View employee benefits here.
• Competitive retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Expansive employee discount programs through our many community partners
• Referral bonus program for current staff!
• Support through Employee Resource Groups such as African American Professionals Advisory Council, Asian Cultural and Professional Group, EQUAL - LGBTQIA Resource Group, Juntos - Hispanic/Latin Resource Group, Veterans and Military Family Advocacy Network, and Young Professionals (YP) Resource Group
• Physical and mental health wellness programs
• Relocation assistance available for some positions

*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type

Primary Location
Location S

Schedule
Full time

Shift
Day (United States of America)

Department
Immunobiology

Employee Status
Regular

FTE
1

Weekly Hours
40

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disability.

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