Research Associate

Job Title

Designs, executes, and evaluates research projects carried out by the department. Performs simple to complex laboratory/field research following prescribed protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Certification, Experience, and/or Licensure:

• Bachelor's Degree in Science-Related Field.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Run thromboelastography on human blood samples and documenting results.
• Follows patient treatment course and return visits to coordinate blood collection for research studies.
• Coordinates research studies with other labs and ensures that subject information is deidentified and confidential.
• Adheres to all protocol and policy requirements required to conduct human subjects research, as well as making sure other support staff are updated and adhere to these protocols and policies such as CITI training.
• Screens and evaluates possible study subjects for clinical studies.
• Arrange and coordinate meetings with individual researchers and their personnel to help with their projects, go through the data and prepare documents.
• Provides input for ways to improve study procedures and communication.
• Ensure that the necessary supplies and equipment for studies are in stock and working properly.
• Coordinate the monthly Division of Surgical Oncology research meeting and maintain a list of active and upcoming projects that students and clinicians are conducting. Monitor the completion of tasks and their deadlines and present project updates. Maintain an updated list of projects, invite attendees, and monitor the progress of projects.
• Builds and maintains clinical databases for cancer patient outcomes
• Collects and logs patient blood and tumor samples for projects.
• Completes statistical analysis for research projects.
• Writes results of research projects including creation of Figures and Tables.
• Performs a wide variety of physical, chemical or biological experiments using simple to complex lab/field procedures as directed and required by the specific research program following prescribed protocol.
• Observes and records appropriate data and checks results for accuracy and completeness. Reports observations to the PI.
• Performs statistical computations and prepares data; prepares graphic presentations and assists in the processing of information generated from research experimentation and/or analysis.
• Operates, calibrates, cleans and performs routine maintenance on specialized lab/field equipment.
• Prepares reagents, media and solutions in order to prepare/maintain specimens for analysis.
• Demonstrates basic techniques and equipment to laboratory personnel, research fellows, residents and students.
• Maintains required records, statistics, reports, etc. as mandated by federal or state laws and/or institutional policies.
• Procures supplies, materials and equipment required for laboratory or field use in carrying out research.
• Sterilizes and cleans glassware and disposes of specimens, media and other materials using appropriate procedures.
• Maintains established department/school policies, procedures, objectives and quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.
• Reviews current safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous, infectious, radioactive and toxic substances, ensuring that all lab/field activities are carried out in compliance with such procedures.
• Attends required meetings.

Physical Requirements

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.

• Requires hand/eye coordination in the use of somewhat complicated instruments, equipment or hand or power tools requiring some speed and adeptness. Light physical effort required involving stooping and bending.
• Occasional lifting of lightweight objects up to 25 lbs.
• The incumbent has limited discretion about walking, standing, etc.

Working 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.

• Lab Space in HSC.
• Shared office and computer space in HSC.
• Shared clinic space in POC and MBRCC.

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the chemical, physical and biological properties of materials or substances analyzed or tested. Knowledge of lab/field techniques, equipment and terminology used in the applicable science. Skills in the use of a wide variety of lab/field equipment. Ability to comprehend and execute complex oral and written commands relating to testing and research methods. Ability to learn the protocol of the assigned research project in order to accurately discern discrepancies in expected scientific outcomes. Ability to effectively operate computers. Ability to organize findings for oral and written presentation.

Additional Job Description

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Shift: Day (United States of America) Exempt/Non-Exempt: United States of America (Exempt) Company: WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals Cost Center: 8240 UHA Surgery Address: 1 Medical Center Drive Morgantown West Virginia Equal Opportunity Employer West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.