Core Facility Research Specialist 3 (Cancer Modeling)

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The University of Miami/UHealth Department of SCCC has an exciting opportunity for a Full-Time Core Facility Research Specialist 3 (Research Lab) to work at the UHealth campus in Miami, Fl.

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Core Facility Research Specialist 3 (A) executes complex research protocols in the performance of research activities within revenue generating Shared Resource (SR) core facilities. The incumbent functions as a liaison between the SR Director, the Research Lab Supervisor and Research staff for laboratory and equipment maintenance, compliance, ordering, and maintaining inventory records. The incumbent displays proficiency in all revenue-producing applications included in the menu of services at a given time of the Shared Resource and trains other staff and users in SR applications. The Core Facility Research Specialist 3 (A) researches, beta tests and independently develops new services, platforms or equipment that the core is evaluating as candidates for implementation and incorporation in the SR’s menu of services. The specialist manages new projects from initiation to completion with minimal supervision and interacts with users (Investigators, Trainees and Staff) in a professional, customer-service oriented manner.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

Manages new projects from initiation to completion independently. Assists in the operation of sophisticated scientific equipment. Assists in the development of new core procedures. Assists in ensuring the lab adheres to regulatory policies. Reviews laboratory results and maintains records using appropriate lab notebook or database entry. Follows SOPs (Standard Operating Protocols). Develops and tests of new procedures or applications with minimal supervision. Trains other SR staff and users on procedures or applications. Evaluates inventory of supplies and reagents, communicate order needs, place orders and verify receipts. Inventory and manage stock as received. Assists in performing QA/QC and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including making minor repairs or communicating with service engineers as needed. Possess the computational skills necessary to acquire proficiency in new software programs, cloud-based tools, online webforms and databases. Displays excellent record keeping skills for all laboratory work and client interactions. Able to learn complex techniques and train other staff and users in SR applications. Keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments within the area of research.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Experience:

3 years of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Skill in collecting, organizing and analyzing data.
• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to lead, motivate, develop and train others.

Department Specific Functions

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is currently seeking a Cancer Imaging and Modeling Specialist – Core Research Specialist 3 who will join the Cancer Modeling Shared Resource. This translational Facility provides qualified, cost effective and state-of-the art services to foster cancer research advancements and accelerate the discovery of tailored antitumor therapies. We are seeking a dynamic individual who would like to participate in the creation and development of new service lines in a busy and fast-paced environment related to preclinical noninvasive imaging modalities for the diagnosis and evaluation of the responses to treatment in a variety of disease models. This person will directly assist the Director in running and implementing new cell culture-based services, as well as developing and adapting state-of-the-art editing technologies to support researchers in the field of functional genomics and in vitro disease modeling. The successful candidate will establish, maintain, expand, and stock various types of cell cultures, which include immortalized cells, primary cells, tissue slices, stem cells, and/or organoids. The responsibilities also include developing transient, stable transgene, gene and genome edited cell populations and lines, as well as embryonic stem cell work for the generation of transgenic mice. He or she will also develop, implement, and update the procedures required to accomplish research goals and preclinical mouse model-related service provision under the direction of Dr. Bilbao.

The following job description reflects additional support that this position must provide. Specific responsibilities of the position include and are not limited to:

Facilitate team workflows in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, and goals are completed and coordinated with management. Design, evaluate, and implement methods and protocols for research related to cell culture including thawing, freezing, passaging, transfecting, and counting of standard immortalized mammalian cells and non-mammalian cells; creating transient, stable transgene, and gene and genome edited cell populations and lines; culture and maintain embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells; prepare media, buffers, and solutions used by the shared resource or other researchers for cell cultures. Develop and maintain the cell banking efforts of the facility including isolation of cells (e.g. PBMCs) from human/animal-derived primary samples. Prepare cells to meet the demands of multiple research projects that will require flexible work hours working in concert with project scientists while adhering to quality control procedures and sterile technique for ensuring consistency of cell culture materials. Understands cell culture protocols, interprets experimental outcomes, and elaborates solutions to technical problems encountered while developing and implementing cell culture-related services. Accurate and reliable record keeping including database management, batch records, notebooks, and all pertinent documentation. Analyze research data and prepare reports for the provision of cell culture biology services. Work with the director and the team to develop, adapt and implement new services and state-of-the-art technologies to address scientific problems. Maintain cutting-edge technical knowledge of the molecular biology and functional genomics fields including major advances and emerging trends. Manage email communications and maintain internal documentation. Work independently and be able to solve technical and scientific problems. Monitor timelines and track study/project performance, including quality of the work and turnaround time, and analyze the successful completion of projects. Implement QA procedures. Prepare online request form and materials for brochures and reports, as required by the study/project. Review documents to generate reports, including the implementation of a tracking and laboratory information system. Review and track customers’ requests, medical reports, and samples, including the supervision of sample access, retrieval, and inventory control. Meet budgetary objectives and adjust project scope, project schedule and project costs based on project constraints and financial analysis. Bill for services and help to develop service fees. Assist researchers and lab members with/while establishing, developing, and performing appropriate imaging protocols using advanced techniques to prepare animals for examination and analysis. Plan the day-to-day workload by setting an appropriate work pace, complete work assignments, identifying and solving problems, and define appropriate completion times. Distribute and balance workload and tasks (including model generation, experimental designs, treatments and histopathological analysis) with established workflows; make the necessary adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned tasks. Schedule coverage for the subsections within the work unit, adjusting in lieu days and annual leave as needed. Assist with lab management duties; ensure equipment is operated and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions; ensure supplies are adequate for the work to be performed. May train or guide the work of students and other employees. Schedule and support other lab members on a variety of additional routine technical laboratory procedures in molecular biology, cell culture and animal-related techniques, like genotyping, prepare and administer compounds to mice, observing and recording physical signs of rodent health, collection of routine diagnostic samples, necropsy and tissue and organ harvest, rodent surgical procedures, etc. Adhere to University and unit-level policies and procedures; safeguard University assets; participate in University/outside educational training as required. Perform other duties as requested.

Department Specific Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field.

Certification and Licensing:

N/A

Experience:

The successful candidate must have a minimum of two years of cell-based research technical experience performing the routine as well as the specialized technical procedures mentioned above. Experience with cell imaging (microscopy) and flow cytometry techniques is preferred. Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience and/or certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Proactively helpful in all aspects of the job, whether it involves communication, training, reporting, or project management.
• Mechanical ability and dexterity when performing the different lab-related techniques.
• Ability to understand cancer biology.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with general and specialized data analysis software and databases is required.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or specialized equipment.
• Knowledge of molecular biology procedures, general laboratory operations and/or procedures, as well as knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering.
• Self-motivated individual with a strong desire to learn.
• Exceptional critical thinking and strong analytical, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. He or she is expected to interact with a variety of staff (facility team, users, and other related facilities) in a professional, polite, and positive attitude.
• Excellent English (both verbal and written) required.
• Ability to shift focus between multiple projects, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent time-management skills.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
• Commitment to the University’s core values.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team under the direction of the Director of the Facility.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.

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The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

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