Research Associate II

ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS A TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE. FLU VACCINES ARE REQUIRED. ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAWS. CURRENT EMPLOYEES: Please apply via the internal career site by logging into your Workday Account (https://www.myworkday.com/archildrens/)and search the "Find Jobs" report. Work Shift: Please see job description for details. Time Type: Full time Department: CC039191 ACRI Research Programs Summary: Arkansas Children's Research Institute - 40 hrs/wk Responsible for: Sample reception, storage, tracking and distribution. Extraction of metabolites and samples preparation from variety of biological substrates (blood, plasma, cells). DNA extraction, base hydrolysis and protein analysis. Analysis of samples with LC-MS and HPLC-ECD techniques. Ordering chemicals and supplies for daily laboratory operation. Provide laboratory, scientific, and administrative support for research projects. Includes laboratory operations service request, providing quotes for services, coordination of project queue, maintenance of laboratory supplies, entering purchase requisitions, and ensuring compliance with all laboratory safety regulations. Additional Information: We are seeking an individual with a relevant scientific background and an interest in basic science experiments to assist with projects in the Arkansas Children’s Critical Care Laboratory. Our team conducts innovative basic science research that investigates multiple facets of critical care including trauma, inflammation, and organ injury. Experiments involve performing procedures, monitoring, and providing clinical care for which specialty training will be provided. Excellent organizational skills are essential to coordinate projects and schedules. The individual in this position will work under the direction of the PI, Mikki Kollisch (Pediatric Surgery) and Program Manager (Dave Irby), and will regularly interact with research staff, laboratory personnel, colleagues and collaborators at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and other institutions. As our laboratory has several collaborations with other research scientists and is also a training environment for medical/graduate students, residents, and fellows, an ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and will be enthusiastic about teaching and involving trainees in experiments. Duties will include, but are not limited to: project management and oversight, performing experiments, data acquisition and interpretation, assistance with regulatory activities related to the research program, laboratory maintenance, supply inventory, and supervision of trainees including medical students, residents, fellows and other members of the research staff. There will be opportunities to attend relevant scientific meetings, participate in data analysis and writing, and work with other laboratories to further develop skills. This position does involve working with large animals. Though previous experience working with animals is not necessary, a willingness to work with them is. Current projects include: Preserving Epithelial Barrier Integrity in Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury: investigates the impact of mechanical ventilation on worsening lung injury Aerosolized chemically modified tetracycline nanoformulation for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome: studies a novel tetracycline formulation on reducing lung injury Novel therapeutic approach for severe ARDS with a potent pharmacologic allosteric hemoglobin modifier: investigates the impact of a novel drug on mitigating hypoxia in a lung injury model Shape Memory Polymer Foams for Hemorrhage Control in Traumatic Wounds: studies the efficacy of a unique shape memory polymer foam in stopping hemorrhage from liver and femoral vessel injury Enhanced Combat Tourniquet with Modular Wound Infection Prevention Capabilities: studies the distribution and efficacy of antibiotics in a traumatically injured limb with a tourniquet in place. Required Education: Bachelor's Degree Recommended Education: Required Work Experience: Related Field - 3 years of experience Recommended Work Experience: Required Certifications: Recommended Certifications: Description 1. Responsible for the operation of various Lab equipment. Conducts experiments on various samples provided by lab users. 2. Quantitates various nutrients, chemicals, drugs and/or metabolites, ensuring quality and accurate results are provided and rewarded according to protocol. Performs genotyping and methylation assays, DNA QC analysis, and DNA,RNA, and NGS fragment analysis using multiple types of equipment. 3. Responsible for sample reception, storage, tracking, and distribution. Provides insight to project development with lab clients. 4. Responsible for extractions of metabolites and DNA extractions from a variety of biological substrates. Created detailed reports and maintains records of varied ongoing lab projects. 5. Maintains all laboratory equipment to ensure its in proper working condition and keeps records of equipment maintenance including service contract maintenance schedules. Instructs other personnel in labs in laboratory techniques and sample preparation. 6. Uses and disposes of radioactive and hazardous chemicals appropriately as required by law. Maintain lab safety regulations and organization, purchase reagents, assays, consumables and equipment. 7. Trains new technical staff on proper operation of lab equipment and associated protocols. 8. Performs other duties as assigned. Arkansas Children’s is the only hospital system in the state dedicated to caring for children, which enables us to uniquely shape the landscape of pediatric care in Arkansas. Arkansas Children’s is driven by four core values—safety, teamwork, compassion and excellence—which inform every action. Arkansas Children’s Hospital has received Magnet Status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), for nursing excellence and patient outcomes. And we are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology. For more than a century, Arkansas Children’s has met the unique needs of children. But we’re more than just a hospital treating sick kids—our services include two hospitals, a pediatric research institute, foundation, clinics, education and outreach, all with an unyielding commitment to making children better today and healthier tomorrow. Arkansas Children’s Little Rock campus includes a 336-bed hospital with the state’s only pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center, burn center, Level 4 neonatal intensive care and pediatric intensive care, as well as a nationally-recognized transport service. And Arkansas Children’s Northwest provides inpatient and emergency care, clinic rooms and diagnostic services to children in that corner of the state. “Arkansas Children’s is a place of hope and comfort for children and parents. When you are at children’s, you are part of an elite team united with a common goal of saving children and making their lives better.” Michael – Business Operations Manager “Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a prestigious institution that cares for children.” Linda – Information Systems Analyst “We are an organization of care, love, and hope while we champion children.” Angela – Parking and Fleet Coordinator “Care, love, and hope for children!” Kathy – Administrative Assistant “When I think of my time here at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, I can honestly say that it has given me a unique perspective on the human condition, and the various roles that we all have in patient care. As a supply assistant, I have a very important job ensuring that the doctors and nurses have what they need to provide the world class medical care to the Children of Arkansas and surrounding states. Being a Champion for Children is more than a catch phrase, it is a way of life!” Nick – Supply Assistant