*Sr. Staff Research Assistant at University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Job Description:

Provides assistance to a research staff by collecting and analyzing data, keeping records, conducting literature and technical research, preparing reports, and may supervise personnel. 

Research Focus: The focus of our research program is to better understand how inflammation increases the risk of abnormal blood vessel development in prematurely born infants and ultimately find ways to prevent complications related to vascular dysgenesis. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can lead to varying degrees of lifelong visual impairment and blindness in preterm infants. Our primary objective is to leverage basic, translational, and clinical research approaches to address and mitigate the vascular developmental abnormalities observed in retinal disease, premature lung conditions, and hemorrhagic or ischemic brain disorders. The Developmental Vascular Biology Group is housed in a state-of-the-art 860 sq foot laboratory supported by OUHSC central imaging, histology, genomics and data science cores.  We actively participate in clinical trials involving therapeutics and clinical aspects of ROP in the neonatal subjects at the OUHSC Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma. To date, our program has secured over $5.5 Million in research funding from various sources, including the National Institute of Health/National Eye Institute, industry partners, and private foundations.

We discovered that the immunomodulatory surfactant protein a (SP-A) is expressed in the retina and defined the pro-angiogenic neovascular phenotype of SP-A in a mouse ROP model as well as in preterm infants, but the molecular mechanisms are not currently known. We utilize a multi-pronged approach to interrogate vascular and endothelial cell signaling pathways:

a)    We utilize rodent models to study retinal vascular disease phenotypes and molecular targets. This is further supported by a variety of cell culture models to investigate candidate cells, including retinal endothelial cells, perivascular cells, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix. These models also explore the complex interactions within this niche, focusing on the connections between immunomodulatory pathways, redox perturbations, and other stressors.

b)    Our translational approach involves analyzing clinical data and assessing biological tissues and hemodynamic variables to identify the most informative inflammatory and physiological parameters. This helps in early detection and understanding risk factors associated with retinal vascular disease.

c)    We also participate in a range of clinical trials focused on evaluating critical therapeutic approaches for infants, aimed at preventing and treating ROP and other vascular diseases.

 

Duties:

• Prepare reports of data, maintain lab books and records of all work, preparation and presentation of results of experiments including lab meeting report. Prepare sections of drafts for abstracts and manuscripts related to experimental methods and results.  participate in writing abstracts and manuscripts


• Interprets, draws conclusions, and discusses with principal investigator. 


• Oversee vivarium tasks and animal work. Day to day care and overseeing of animal rodent colonies, husbandry, genotyping, design of mating protocols under supervision of staff scientist, culling, maintenance of records, logs and cage counts. Basic animal techniques such as ear tags, tattooing, blood collection and oral or IP drug delivery. Maintain records of anesthetics and controlled substances. 


• Presents research material to fellow researchers and colleagues. 


• Keeps record of information obtained during research. 


• May include a database of information or hard files. 


• Conducts research of the literature. 


• Independently Conduct Scientific Research under the direction of the Lab Director and staff scientist i.e. independently conduct research experiments, analyze and interpret data. This includes Western blots, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, PCR, genotyping, protein and RNA isolation, cell culture. Prepare and maintain key solutions and reagents in lab.


• Maintaining Inventory and Lists of Lab supplies and Reagents. Antibody, primer, and chemical inventory; inventory and tagging of lab equipment, purchase and logging of laboratory supplies and reagents. Make sure all equipment is in working order.


• Prepares various reports containing descriptive, analytical, and evaluative content that may be submitted for publication. 


• Constructs tests or assists in the construction of tests. 


• Collaborates with other researchers.


• May supervise a staff of research technicians and/or research assistants. 


• Delegates tasks and oversees work.


• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required education: Bachelors Degree in Biological Science, Chemistry, Physical Science, or related field, AND:

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  24 months research laboratory experience

  
  

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months equivalent experience in the aforementioned fields in lieu of the Bachelor's Degree, for a total of 72 months combined research assistant/technician experience

 

Skills:

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  Working knowledge of how to handle biohazard materials or chemicals following Federal, State, and University regulations and guidelines
  
  


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  Detail oriented
  
  


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  Ability to analyze data and keep records
  
  


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  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
  
  


• Ability to supervise research technicians or assistants


• Experience in molecular biology, cell biology, and working with animal models is required


• Demonstrates strong motivation and self-discipline, combined with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
  
  

Working Conditions:

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  Physical: Standing for prolonged periods. Manual dexterity. Stoop, bend, crouch, or lift up to 25 pounds. Speaking and listening.


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  Environmental:  Laboratory Environment. May be exposed to biohazardous materials, chemicals, odors, or carcinogens. 

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

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