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Research Assistant, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, (IEHS)

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedResearch Assistant, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, (IEHS)at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The laboratory studies how common consumer product chemicals (flame retardants, phthalates, etc.) may interfere with the body's endocrine system when humans are exposed to them every day. The lab is interested in how exposure to these chemicals (and mixtures of these chemicals) may disrupt metabolic health and contribute to or exacerbate obesity and other metabolic disorders. The lab will also be setting up a small zebrafish facility to help translate mechanistic cell-based research into a vertebrate animal model, allowing for easier translation to potential human health effects.

Essential Functions:

Performs cell culture and receptor activation/binding experiments:

Grow, maintain, expand, and test different human and animal cell lines.

Uses these cell lines to perform receptor binding and activation assays.

Use mesenchymal stem cells and pre-adipocyte models to assess role of chemicals in differentiation, proliferation, and development of fat or other cell types.

Perform processing of diverse environmental samples and preparation of chemical and mixture stock solutions for testing in mechanistic assays.

Help maintain zebrafish colony and performs routine care:

Contributes to regular feedings of the zebrafish colony throughout the week and occasionally on weekends. Help manage other staff and students to facilitate this process.

Help perform regular maintenance on zebrafish system – water chemistry, breeding of fish for experimental purposes or to establish a new generation.

Assist with and perform exposure experiments in fish, in particular assessing metabolic health endpoints with fluorescent imaging, growth measurements, and behavioral testing.

Assist with fish facility inspections and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)/chemical/animal care protocol preparation and approvals.

Prepare laboratory records:

Prepare daily records of experimental procedures and results.

Help maintain laboratory supplies and assists with operations:

Order and maintain laboratory supplies, handles administrative duties, and assist other lab members as necessary for the smooth functioning of the laboratory.

Maintain an amicable relationship with company/vendor representatives.

Receive shipments, restocks shelves and aliquots out commonly used supplies.

Assist with laboratory inspections and protocol preparation and approvals.

Help with onboarding of new employees, scheduling, and training.

Perform other related duties as assigned:

Upon request, perform other tasks requested by Principal Investigator to maintain a smooth operation of the laboratory.

Perform collaborative projects and tasks with internal and external colleagues as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree in biology, Chemistry, or related Majors.

OR

Master's degree in fields listed above or previous research experience in laboratories performing Endocrinology, Toxicology, Environmental Health, Molecular/Cellular Biology research.

Experience: Entry level (less than a year of job-related experience).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Previous experience working with zebrafish is a plus, as the laboratory contains a small zebrafish colony to support metabolic health and endocrine disrupting chemical testing.

Previous tissue culture experience working with human/animal cell lines is a plus, as a major component of this laboratory will be cell-based and cellfree mechanistic assays.

Recent graduates evaluating next steps are encouraged to apply.

School/College/Division:

Division of Research & Innovation

Primary department:

H0918 - Inst of Environmental Hlth Sci

Employment type:

+ Regular Employee

+ Job type: Full Time

+ Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

+ Compensation type: Annual Salary

+ Annual Salary:To be determined

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.

Job openings:

+ Number of openings: 1

+ Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.