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Research Assistant - Department of Ophthalmology Visual & Anatomical Sciences

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedResearch Assistant - Department of Ophthalmology Visual & Anatomical Sciencesat 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.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

Essential Functions:

Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.

Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.

Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

The Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS) at Wayne State University is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the Berger laboratory, which focuses on corneal biology, wound healing, and ocular complications associated with diabetes and infection. The successful candidate will support ongoing NIH-funded studies investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the corneal response to infections using in vitro and in vivo models. Key Responsibilities: Assist with experimental design, data collection, and data analysis. Perform cell culture experiments, including wound healing and barrier assays. Conduct molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNA/protein extraction, qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA). Support histological and immunohistochemical preparation of ocular tissues. Help with animal care and experimental procedures under IACUC-approved protocols. Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment. Ensure accurate documentation of experiments and adherence to safety and compliance protocols. Application Instructions: Interested applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge

predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged

course of specialized intellectual instruction.

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

Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and

data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity

principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Preferred qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, physiology, or a related field Basic laboratory experience, including sterile technique and molecular assays Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols accurately Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment Willingness to work with animal and cell culture models, including handling of biohazardous materials Experience with rodent handling and tissue collection Familiarity with microscopy and immunostaining Prior exposure to diabetes or ocular disease research models Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management software

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0603 - Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Employment type:

+ Regular Employee

+ Job type: Full Time

+ Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

+ Compensation type: Annual Salary

+ Hourly rate:

+ Salary minimum: TBD

+ Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

Job openings:

+ Number of openings: 1

+ Reposted position: No

+ Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)

+ Prior posting/requisition number:

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.

The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.