Research Assistant Professor

Mission Driven, Community Focused

Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of south Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for underrepresented students. CDU is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of south Los Angeles neighborhoods.

This role includes a CDU College of Medicine faculty appointment. Please ensure to include the following in your application; application will not be considered unless all requested documents are attached:

• Academic Curriculum Vitae (as an attachment): CV format template can be found at the following link: CV Template.pdf
• Academic Credentials (as an attachment) – Medical License, Cert/Training, Board(s) Certificate(s) and Fellowships (if any).
• List of 2-3 Evaluators (Provide contact information for evaluators/references during application questions)
• Personal Statement (as a one page attachment): Personal Statement format template can be found at the following link: Self-Statement Sample.pdf

The requested documents listed above will be compiled and presented to the appointments and promotions committee for review as part of our peer review process.

Job Summary:

Under the general direction of Principal Investigator, performs independent research in support in molecular endocrinology, diabetes and obesity research laboratory. Current projects involve endocrine effects of e-cigarettes. Responsibilities includes project planning, data collection, experimental protocols and procedures; bench work involving lab techniques focused on molecular biology, and small animal studies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and plan research in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
• Organizing and implementing complex research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content.
• Responsible for conducting analyses and submission of findings for peer review publication.
• Provide formal mentorship support to students and trainees.
• Enhance opportunities for students and trainees to participate in research when possible.
• Designs, analyzes, implements, and reports findings on targeted statistical research studies; provides consultation to investigators and researchers on experimental design and statistical research approaches, requirements, and scientific standards to advance medical knowledge and improve research in public health.
• Works with investigators to formalize analysis plans and reporting specifications; advises as to choice of statistical analysis strategies, reliability of measurements and identifiability of models, and interpretation and presentation of statistical results.
• Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with individuals in different disciplines and serves as subject-matter expert for research teams, internal and external committees, and other constituencies and collaborators.
• Plans and documents computer data file structure; develops, programs, manages, and maintains complex statistical databases; performs or supervises data entry.
• Conduct literature searches, gather and summarize relevant findings from the published scientific literature.
• Engage weekly meetings with PI and other research team members.
• Assist with writing papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

EDUCATION:

• MD, PhD or equivalent degree from an accredited institution required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years as a postdoctoral fellow and experience in an academic research laboratory
• Experience communicating research in peer-reviewed publications, scientific meetings, and interdisciplinary stakeholder, regulatory, or policy related meetings.
• Prior experience writing and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Evidence of successful grant applications preferred.
• Past evidence of designing and leading research studies preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS (depending on research interests):

• Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, methods, and standards of statistical research.
• Protein and RNA extract from mouse tissues and mammalian cells.
• Mammalian tissues culture
• siRNA transfection in vivo and in vitro
• Real time RT-PCR
• Western blot
• Immunohistochemistry
• DNA cloning and plasmid purification
• Perform animal studies including diabetic animal model generation and treatment.
• Animal tissue collection
• Knowledge of scientific reporting and manuscript preparation requirements and standards.
• Ability to work in a team environment to design, analyze, and report on research projects.
• Strong analytical communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize projects.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of probability and medical statistics theory.
• Knowledge of data management principles and regulatory requirements for clinical trials and medical research.
• Strong focus and quality and timely delivery of work.

COMPLEXITY:

• The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Occasionally required to work in confined space.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Frequent work on a variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating interrupted work, work on a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

Special Requirements:

• As a health professions institution of higher education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science seeks to protect the health and safety of the University community. As a condition of enrollment and employment, students, faculty, and staff must comply with the current CDU COVID-19 requirements as described on the CDU COVID-19 webpage. Please visit the CDU Return to Campus website or email the Campus Nursing Office at View email address on click.appcast.io.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.

Compensation:

• $90,000 annually

Position Status:

• Full Time

Work Location:

• On-site

Conditional Statement: The employment status of this position is classified as "Conditional." Conditional employment means that the job exists contingent upon continued funding and limitations of restricted funds or, the duration of a specific program, project, grant, or contract. Since this position is funded by AIM, End Date: 07/31/2025 and R35, End Date: 04/30/2026, this position is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. Continuation of this position is dependent, in part, upon funding availability. Furthermore, no work may be performed after the grant end date(s) unless the position receives an extension in writing from a Dean, Division VP, or Human Resources.

EEO Statement: Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity