College of Pharmacy Job Description Template/Instructions
University Title: Research Associate
Classification: 9702
Percent Time: 100
Reports To: Jeffrey R. Bishop
Working Title: Research Associate
Position Number: 280375
Department/Division: ECP
Last Update: 4/2015
Summary of Position:
This employee will oversee as well as conduct research activities in the Pharmacogenomics
Laboratory. This will involve the general management of the laboratory, conduct of
genetic/molecular biology experiments or assays, creating and maintenance of sample and data
databases, data generation, basic sample analysis QC/QA, advanced statistical analyses, data
interpretation, education of trainees, as well as other regulatory components of translational research
studies involving human subjects or biological samples. The employee will be familiar with Good
Laboratory Practices and able to apply these principles as needed. Excellent communication and the
ability to work effectively as part of collaborative and multidisciplinary research team is essential.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
65%
Pharmacogenomics Research
Conduct research by participating in the design, implementation and evaluation of
genotyping or methylation analyses. Use of either the Pharmacogenomics Laboratory or
Genomics Core Facility resources will be a significant component of the work. Thus
proficiency with TaqMan, Sequenom, Pyrosequencing, DNA Microarray, mRNA
expression arrays, or methylation arrays will be necessary.
Responsible for nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) extraction, quantification and
standardization from irreplaceable patient samples.
Responsible for storing samples and entering information into databases. Samples must
be of extremely high quality for molecular biology analysis. Sample tracking and
management needs to be done with an extreme focus on detail and consistency.
Responsible for establishing and maintaining records related to laboratory training,
equipment assessment and testing, as well as other general laboratory activities. This
employee also functions as general laboratory manager with responsibility for
maintaining lab functions and equipment, as well as compliance with institutional, state,
and federal safety regulations.
Responsible for training and supervising other laboratory trainees/members as needed.
25%
10%
The employee must be able to complete analyses to assess the quality of laboratory data,
as well as statistical analyses of sample data in conjunction with phenotype information.
This will require proficiency in data management as well as knowledge of available
bioinformatics analysis tools.
Lab Safety/Grant & Manuscript Preparation
Assist with manuscript or grant preparation.
Assist with data presentations
Conduct annual lab specific safety training for all lab members
Perform annual laboratory safety inspection in coordination with EHS-appointed
Research Safety Officers
Organize and maintain the entire chemical and reagent inventory (including purchasing
and budgeting when needed)
Assign duties and oversee quarterly laboratory clean up
Participate in the College of Pharmacy Safety Committee as needed
Retrieve, quantify, and aliquot DNA and RNA samples in various formats for off-site
analysis and ship according to dry ice regulations and instructions received via direct
communication with staff at outside institutions
Train and assist trainees and various personnel from other laboratories in experimental
procedures as requested.
Miscellaneous other tasks as directed
Required Qualifications:
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Ph.D. in molecular Biology, Genetics or Pharmacology with two years experience in an
academic or industrial research environment.
Demonstrated experience with TaqMan, Sequenom, Pyrosequencing, DNA Microarray,
mRNA expression arrays, or methylation arrays.
Experience and knowledge in data management as well as knowledge of available
bioinformatics analysis tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Demonstrated attention to detail including documentation of experiments in notebooks.
Ability to effectively collaborate with a hard-working, diverse group of researchers.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision on a broad variety of tasks related to
pharmacogenomics.
Excellent communication skills
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Endnote, etc.)