Research Associate - Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate - Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences 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.

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research.  May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation.  Design and perform research protocols independently 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 or clinical/population science (human subjects) research.  Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.  Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines.  Assist staff with experiments /research protocols as required.  Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes 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.

Prepare and present presentations regarding research results for professional, scientific and academic conferences.  Summarize and organize data results for submittal to academic and scholarly, peer-reviewed journals.  Write scientific manuscripts and other documents for publication. Fact-check, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.

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 work station. 

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Research positions in the field of neuroscience and visual sciences are immediately available. Our laboratory uses mouse retina as a model system to investigate the neural network and its physiological significance. We are looking to hire lab personnel who will conduct calcium imaging, patch clamp recordings, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biological studies. Motivated young and old scientists are welcome. Experience with animal research is required. Research experience in the field of Vision and neuroscience is preferred but not required. Essential Functions: Conducting calcium imaging and patch clamp recordings from neurons in the mouse retina. Performing intraocular virus injection to mouse eyes. Conducting immunohistochemical study using confocal microscopy. Assisting lab maintenance, such as making experimental solutions, maintenance of chemicals, and set-up equipment.

Education:   Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree 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:   Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

Experience performing basic research techniques, preferred.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently.  Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings in reports and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills.  Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment.  Microsoft office software skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work both in a team environment and independently. Experiences in neuroscience or vision research.

H06 - School of Medicine

H0603 - Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Research

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

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.

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

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.