Research Specialist (Cancer Biology And Pharmacology)

Research Specialist (Cancer Biology and Pharmacology)

Hiring Department: UICOMP-CBP

Location: Peoria, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1026251

Posting Close Date: 7/28/2024

The Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) seeks a talented professional for the position of Research Specialist.

Position Summary

This position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Performs complex laboratory and data collection techniques.

This position will contribute to the ongoing Ischemic Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury research in the Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research

• Collaborate with Principle Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals.

• Formulate and conduct scientific experiments and analyses. Performs complex data collection and laboratory techniques. Analyze and evaluate test and research results.

• Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs. Test, customize and implement new methods, procedures and techniques.

• Develop and write advanced, comprehensive experimental protocols.

• Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis. Propose and implement changes as needed.

• Participate in scientific hypothesis development and implementation.

• Conduct all the required in vitro and in vivo experiments as assigned by the PI.

• Collaborate with other research team members to execute the assigned projects.

• Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs. Test, customize and implement new methods, procedures, and techniques.

• Prepare nanoparticle formulation of plasmid shRNAs.

• Pre- and post-operative animal handling as well as administration of anesthetics, analgesics, antibiotics, and other test items to rodents.

• Perform neurological evaluations at regular intervals in rodents before and after experimental stroke or spinal cord injury induction.

• Euthanize the animals at the end of the study and collect the required tissues.

• Perform complex data collection, analyze data, interpret results, and report findings to the PI.

• Ensure compliance with regulations and good laboratory practice and maintain research records, research notes and resource utilization.

• Complete all the required annual training regularly.

• Assist the PI, project collaborators, and other lab personnel with research and educational/mentoring activities in the lab.

• Prepare purchase orders for lab supplies, chemicals, regents, kits, and laboratory animal vendors.

• Provide appropriate training to research volunteers and medical students working in the PI's lab.

• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Communication

• Contribute material, prepare results and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication.

• Assist principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission.

• Perform statistical analysis of the data, and prepare pertinent information for posters, manuscripts, grants, and other documents.

• Maintain documentation, record keeping, raw data, etc. to comply with regulatory requirements.

Staff Management

• Guide, train and advise lower level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.

Other

• Participate in service activities that commensurate with rank.

• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or related field required.

• A minimum of 3 years related research experience.

• Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.

• Proficient in specific lab research techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in science preferred.

• At least one year experience in a stroke basic/translational research lab.

• Proficient in rodent handling, injections, and neurobehavioral assessments.

• Experience in performing immunoblot, PCR, immunofluorescence analysis, histology, etc.

• Experience in rodent euthanasia and collection of tissues such as brain, spinal cord, spleen, blood, etc.

• Experience working with plasmid shRNAs, including processing of bacterial cultures, plasmid isolation, and preparation of nanoparticle formulation of plasmids.

To be considered please submit your application by July 28, 2024 at:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/11243?c=uic

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/one.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=5705 to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

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