Research Assistant, Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases - The Ohio State University College of Medicine
We are seeking a Research Assistant - This position is in the Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases in Dr. Genevieve Kendall’s lab. We are seeking a motivated research assistant to join our lab group. Our team is focused on developing basic and translational models of pediatric sarcomas, which are devastating and aggressive solid tumors with limited therapeutic options. Specifically, we study rhabdomyosarcoma, which is thought to arise from a misregulation of skeletal muscle developmental pathways.
We use cell culture and transgenic zebrafish systems to understand the underlying biology of the disease and then apply that knowledge to identify therapeutic targets. Identified targets and therapeutic strategies are then confirmed via our model systems and through collaborations with the extensive expertise present in the Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Division of Hematology/Oncology and BMT, and in the Institute for Genomic Medicine.
With guidance from Dr. Kendall, you will be responsible for independently progressing your own project, and assisting other lab personnel in a complementary manner that addresses our shared interests and aligns with your career goals. Your responsibilities will include maintaining transgenic zebrafish lines, performing experiments, and analyzing and presenting your results and conclusions. You will also be responsible for lab management and safety, ordering, and assisting Dr. Kendall with protocol preparation and submission.
A background in molecular biology is preferred. Zebrafish research experience is not required, but you must be comfortable with and excited about learning this model. The selected candidate must be professional, self-motivated, and dedicated, with strong communication and interpersonal skill sets that will fit our team. You will have many opportunities to learn new skill sets, present your work, develop professionally, and contribute to identifying new therapies for pediatric cancers in a dynamic and positive environment.
Responsibilities
What Will You Be Doing?
- Designing and conducting laboratory-based experiments with transgenic zebrafish and cell culture based systems (utilizing skills/techniques such as microinjection, cloning, imaging, microdissection, flow cytometry, qPCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, Western blots, RNAseq/ATACseq/single cell sequencing, generating new transgenic zebrafish lines, etc.)
- Collecting experimental data and maintaining a lab notebook
- Critically evaluating and interpreting data and determining next steps
- Mentoring and training staff and graduate students
- Generating figures in Adobe Illustrator
- Writing and publishing scientific material, including manuscripts
- Presenting research at regional, national, and international conferences
- Contributing to grant submissions for external funding
- Collaborating with other researchers at NCH/OSU, nationally, and internationally
- Performing miscellaneous related duties to help the team
Qualifications
What Are We Looking For?
To fulfill this role successfully, you must possess these qualifications and experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field of science from an accredited college
- Six months to two years of relevant laboratory experience preferred
- Strong organizational skills
- Self-motivated
- Technical skills in a sub-set of the areas of research described above and a desire to quickly learn new skills
- Ability to work independently on laboratory projects
- Proficiency in scientific writing
- Software expertise to prepare presentations, and to make figures and tables
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to train and mentor laboratory staff, graduate students, and post-docs
Your Benefits, Your Wellness:
As an employer, Nationwide Children’s recognizes the importance of the benefits we offer. We also recognize the importance of balancing your work and personal needs. Our benefits and Employee Wellness package is designed to:
- Empower you to be a conscientious health care consumer through educational and wellness activities
- Establish a work environment that promotes health and well-being
- Support your financial protection and security in retirement
Most of our positions are benefits’ eligible from day 1.
Why Nationwide Children's Hospital?
The moment you walk through our doors, you can feel it. When you meet one of our patient families, you believe it. And when you talk with anyone who works here, you want to be part of it, too. Welcome to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where Passion Meets Purpose.
Here, Everyone Matters. We’re 12,000 strong. And it takes every single one of us to improve the lives of the kids we care for, and the kids from around the world we’ll never even meet. Kids who are living healthier, fuller lives because of the knowledge we share. We know it takes a Collaborative Culture to deliver on our promise to provide the very best, innovative care and to foster new discoveries, made possible by the most groundbreaking research. Anywhere.
Ask anyone with a Nationwide Children’s badge what they do for a living. They’ll tell you it’s More Than a Job. It’s a calling. It’s a chance to use and grow your talent to make an impact that truly matters. Because here, we exist simply to help children everywhere.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital. A Place to Be Proud.