Careers in Quality

Description

A postdoctoral research fellow or research associate (staff scientist) position is available in Dr. Assem Ziady's laboratory for PhD graduates with outstanding writing skills to write/edit grant proposals, manuscripts for publication, Institutional Review Board protocols, conference presentations, and/or other documents as needed. The Ziady lab studies Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Focus areas are 1) development of biomarkers of lung function decline in chronic lung disease; 2) understanding the regulation of Nrf2 activity and identify various interventions as therapy for Nrf2 dysfunction; and 3) examine and further develop non-viral DNA delivery vectors for CF gene therapy.

About Cincinnati Children's

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is a premier pediatric research institution with over 900 diverse and productive faculty members. Here, researchers work collaboratively across specialties and divisions to address some of the biggest challenges we face today in improving child health. A strong network of research support services and facilities, along with institutional commitment to research, push our team of faculty, postdocs and support staff to explore the boundaries of what is possible, leading to significant breakthroughs. We are driven by our mission to improve child health and transform the delivery of care through fully integrated, globally recognized research, education and innovation.

Post-doctoral research fellows at Cincinnati Children's are valued for their unique interests and strengths, and are supported by our institution's strong programming for post-docs through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the Office of Academic Affairs and Career Development. Mentoring, support for international students and an emphasis on crafting high-quality grant proposals are only a few of the features that set our program apart. Cincinnati Children's is a respected part of the broader, and very vibrant, Cincinnati community. With a thriving arts scene, numerous festivals celebrating music and food, a passionate fan following for our college and professional sports teams, and a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities, our region is truly a great place to work and live.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments; apply standard scientific protocols to experiments, research, and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques.
2. Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, and abstracts.
3. Design and perform experiments and record data according to research protocol. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used. Adapt new methods to existing procedures and modify current experiments through scientific knowledge and intuition. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments.
4. Develop, set-up, and verify new procedures in the laboratory. Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Develop new assays and new protocols; design formats.
5. Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.
6. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications. Present information on research and laboratory work to others at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and seminars.
7. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Maintain and repair equipment; monitor proper use by personnel.
8. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks.
9. Assist in preparing, writing, and maintaining fiscal budget. Monitor expenditures and prepare capital expenditure requests; track funding, maintain accurate balance, and resolve any discrepancies.
10. Follow policies and procedures governing the handling of confidential information as defined by Cincinnati Children's mission and applicable laws and regulations. Ensure timeliness, accuracy, availability, and security of information.
11. Perform routine procedures, including the collection and analysis of research data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
12. Provide services in a manner to be regularly and conveniently available to meet the needs of Cincinnati Children's research initiatives as determined by department management and Cincinnati Children's governing body.
13. Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature and seminars. Implement this knowledge into the Department.
14. Recommend approaches for improvement activities, recommend and perform new processes, collect and measure data, develop processes based on performance, and communicate results.
15. Ensure that work areas are organized and present a safe, accessible, effective and efficient environment. Manage attendance at required Cincinnati Children's training sessions, including radiation safety, laboratory safety, bloodborne pathogens, and OSHA. Comply with Infection Control policies and procedures.
16. Participate in establishing job requirements and goals; perform duties at the desired level of competency.
17. Understand, adhere to, and model Core Standards as defined organizationally and specifically within the department/unit.
18. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

For both positions - PhD, MD or equivalent degree

For the Research Associate position - 3 years related postdoctoral research experience

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field, a strong publication record with demonstrable ability to prepare manuscripts and grants, as well as data analysis and interpretation. A background in research relevant to the work done in the lab would be beneficial.

Skills & Competencies

???Clerical Abilities
Ability to perform clerical functions with accuracy and attention to detail

???Creativity
Considering multiple perspectives or challenging traditional assumptions; formulating unusual, clever ideas or developing new insights; astutely identifying new ideas that will improve organizational functions, products, or services

???Information Analysis
Locating and gathering relevant information; recognizing and working to eliminate important gaps in existing information; determining the value of the information; synthesizing and organizing information to get a better understanding of a problem

???Educational Resource
Willingness to serve as an education resource to others

???Supervision
Ability to supervise others

???Computer Proficiency
Proficiency in basic computer applications such as Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), e-mail, and internet

???Detail Orientation
Meticulously keeping track of details without becoming overwhelmed by them; being exacting, precise, and accurate; spotting minor imperfections or errors and taking action to correct them

???Organization
Strong organizational and project management skills to handle projects independently.

???Time Management
Prioritization and time-management skills sufficient to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

???Analysis - Basic
Analytical ability sufficient to evaluate data, make judgments and recommendations

???Statistics - Intermediate
Familiarity with statistical software, statistical techniques, statistical process control principles, and graphical data display

???Lab Procedures - Advanced
Knowledge and the ability necessary to independently perform advanced labor in a related field