Research Associate I

ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS A TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE. FLU VACCINES ARE REQUIRED. ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAWS.

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The Research Associate will work independently, applying prior experience in cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Primary responsibilities include developing, designing, managing, and executing experiments involving:

• Cell culture techniques (treatment, harvesting, transfection)

• Molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, exosome isolation, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, ELISAs, immunohistochemistry)

• Processing of human biological samples — saliva, tracheal aspirate, blood, stool, and urine — under approved research protocols

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or a related scientific field.

• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant research experience. Basic familiarity with cell culture techniques required; prior hands-on cell culture experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain inventory of raw materials, buffers, and reagents, including accurate record-keeping.

• Order equipment and supplies for the laboratory across all grants and general lab needs, remaining within budget; request price quotes and generate purchase orders.

• Demonstrate proficient knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures needed to complete complex research assignments.

• Manage small projects, including assessing feasibility of goals and objectives and ensuring efficient use of time and resources.

• Review project progress and evaluate results.

• Identify and propose technical solutions for troubleshooting experimental processes.

• Stay current techniques and equipment relevant to the lab's research, including extending existing technologies into new applications.

• Advise the Senior PI on updated methods and troubleshooting strategies as needed.

• Develop new techniques, concepts, and approaches to address complex research questions.

• Utilize graphics and statistical software to analyze data for presentation at research conferences and in manuscript preparation.

Additional Expectations

The incumbent must communicate regularly and effectively with the PI and research team, maintain a high degree of professionalism, and demonstrate strong time management and priority-setting skills. Flexibility to work in a dynamic laboratory environment is required, including occasional flexible hours to accommodate time-sensitive cell line work.

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Description

1. Assists with operation of analytical equipment.

2. Assists with quantitating various nutrients, chemicals, drugs and/or metabolites, ensuring quality and accurate results are provided.

3. Assists with extractions of metabolites and DNA extractions from a variety of biological substrates.

4. Assists with maintenance of laboratory equipment to keep it in proper working condition.

5. Observes and learns about the proper handling of radioactive and other hazardous chemicals.

6. Performs other duties as assigned.