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Title: Research Specialist

Org Unit: Nephrology and Hypertension

Work Days: Weekdays and some weekends

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $29.26 - $36.65

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

The research in the laboratory of Dr. Myles Wolf focuses on the investigation of mineral metabolism and tissue-specific vitamin D metabolism in chronic kidney disease.

Normal calcium and phosphate homeostasis is essential for myriad cellular and metabolic functions that ensure healthy skeletal development and optimal organ function. Disordered mineral homeostasis can cause metabolic bone diseases and nephrolithiasis and is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that contributes to its high rates of cardiovascular disease, fracture, and death. The tight balance of serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and vitamin D, is severely disrupted in chronic kidney disease. The main focus of our current work is CYP24A1, the enzyme catabolizing the biologically active form of vitamin D through 24-hydroxylation. We believe that a tissue-specific inhibition of CYP24A1 can be utilized to safely treat patients with CKD and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Our recent study prevailed against conventional teaching, which attributes the main actions of CYP24A1 to the kidney, to show that CYP24A1 expression in the intestines is capable of influencing systemic parameters of mineral metabolism such as PTH and FGF23 levels. These results have direct clinical implications, by opening a new pathway for the control of disrupted mineral metabolism in CKD by targeting vitamin D metabolism outside the kidney. We are currently working on translating our latest findings to other target organs of vitamin D and on taking the next steps for the clinical implementation of these findings.

We are looking for a motivated and engaged team member interested in inter-disciplinary research to support our efforts to ultimately improve the treatment options for patients with chronic kidney disease.

The successful applicant should have a firm knowledge of routine laboratory tools such as real-time PCR, ELISA assays, standard histological techniques and excellent organizational skills. They should feel comfortable independently performing the collection of routine biological samples from experimental animals, administering experimental diets and compounds, monitoring animal experiments, maintaining official documentation and assisting with surgical procedures. These scientific duties will complement the applicants’ administrative duties, including ordering of materials and general maintenance of the laboratory.

Job Responsibilities

+ Evaluates, recommends, and develops new techniques to assist in overall laboratory efficiency.

+ Writes/amends laboratory operating protocols and implements new technology and protocols as needed.

+ Ensures laboratory quality assurance goals and standards are met. Evaluates results of quality control trends and implements corrective action when needed.

+ May independently or semi-independently, design and carry out experiments. Analyzes and interprets experimental results and provides input related to subsequent experimental designs.

+ Conducts library research and literature searches using various computer systems. Assists in editing scientific publications, abstracts and/or posters.

+ Audits and screens vendors/suppliers to evaluate the quality of products and equipment they supply. Corresponds with them for technical support pertaining to those products.

+ Responsible for tissue & cell culture activities.

+ Prepares and maintains detailed records, logs and summary reports of all procedures and results including graphs, scientific calculations, and statistical analysis charting.

+ Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment and/or reagents. May order supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensure that needs are escalated appropriately. Receives supply orders and confirms accuracy of delivery. May assist with cost control.

+ Ensures a clean working area and is responsible for washing and storing glassware.

+ Ensures that safe laboratory practices are followed, including the use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.

+ May need to assist in the orientation and training of new investigators, fellows, residents, and technical staff and/or provide working supervision to lower level laboratory staff.

+ May be responsible for animal husbandry, genotyping, surgeries, post-operative care, behavioral testing, sectioning and histology.

+ May perform routine molecular biology laboratory procedures, such as PCR, protein and DNA electrophoresis, cloning and DNA preparation.

+ May run routine biochemistry assays including western blotting and RT-PCR.

+ May perform microscopic imaging analyses.

+ May be responsible for the receipt, storage, cataloguing and shipment of samples within and between institutions.

Education

+ Bachelor's Degree

Experience

Approximately 3-5 years of related work experience within a laboratory

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.

+ Ability to multi-task and handle multiple competing priorities

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Standard laboratory conditions; This position may handle radioactive material and/or biologic materials from human subjects as required; This position may require standing or sitting for long periods of time; This role may require working within Biologic Safety Level 1, 2 and/or 3 facilities

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.