Lab Researcher - Gorska Lab

Summary

A Lab Researcher position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Magdalena Gorska (gorskam@njhealth.org) at National Jewish Health (NJH) in Denver, CO. 
 
The lab studies maternal effects on the immune system and development of allergic diseases, with a particular focus on asthma. A proportion of patients with asthma develop symptoms of their disease very early in life, sometimes in the 1st year. Genetic factors are contributory, but fail to fully explain why. It is therefore increasingly recognized that development of early-life asthma is dependent in substantial part on environmental exposures that are encountered by infants after birth and exposures and health status of their mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dr. Gorska’s lab is focused on maternal factors, trying to delineate the mechanisms underlying their effects in offspring. 
 
More specific goals of the lab are to define maternal information that is gained and transmitted to offspring or lost and not transferred to offspring, elucidate routes of information transfer (placenta, breast milk, gametes), delineate offspring cells and pathways that are programmed by this information, and study how these cells and pathways contribute to the development of asthma. The lab has particular interest in cells and pathways of the immune system. The translational goals are to identify early-life biomarkers of predisposition to asthma in humans and define molecular targets for development of preventive drugs. 
 
To accomplish these goals, the lab uses mouse models, human cord blood samples, blood samples from young children with asthma, and a variety of immunological, signaling and transcriptomics approaches.  
 
To learn more visit: http://www.njhealth.org/gorska-lab.
 

This position can be filled as a Lab Researcher Technician,  Lab Researcher or a Senior Lab Researcher based on education and years of experience.

Position Summary:

Lab Researcher Technician: 

The position performs as an entry level technician under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Laboratory Manager which may include assisting in collecting, tabulating and analyzing research data. 

Lab Researcher:

The position is responsible for planning, developing, executing and monitoring testing techniques and investigative procedures under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Lab Manager. 

Senior Lab Researcher:

The position independently performs all phases of experimental investigations and collaborates with the principal investigators in the progress of major research projects.  Acts as a technical advisor to laboratory technical, support and auxiliary staff.

Essential Duties: 

Lab Researcher Technician: 

1. Performs routine laboratory tests under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Lab Manager.
2. Collects, accurately records and analyzes data in conjunction with other research staff.
3. Obtains and maintains minimum proficiency in data analysis, preparation of glassware, extraction and plating procedures, basic programming and mathematical ordering systems.  May utilize computer.
4. Maintains compliance with all institutional/safety training requirements.
5. Maintains laboratory records, supplies and samples in an organized manner (such as a laboratory notebook and sample storage record).

Lab Researcher:

1. Develops new techniques and investigative procedures, including scientific routines, computer programming techniques and data reporting techniques.
2. Monitors quality control of routines, experiments, general laboratory activities and the use of research animals in the laboratory setting.
3. Performs laboratory functions unique to the assigned laboratory.
4. Provides general guidance to laboratory staff, including technicians, support and auxiliary staff.  Acts as a leader for laboratory programs and staff in assigned areas.
5. Demonstrates enhanced proficiency in data analysis, preparation of glassware, extraction and plating procedures, programming and mathematical ordering systems.
6. Prepares statistical tabulations, using a calculator or computer.
7. Oversees supply functions, inventory control, equipment use and maintenance, and animal care and ordering, as needed.
8. Maintains compliance with all institutional / safety training requirements.
9. Maintains laboratory records, supplies, samples in an organized manner (such as a laboratory notebook and sample storage record).
10. Acts a liaison to other department personnel, outside investigators, and vendors.
11. Performs routine and non-routine tests leading to the successful completion of developed experiments.

Senior Lab Researcher:

1. Plans, develops, operates, records, collaborates and reports on research projects.
2. Performs as the technical advisor on techniques involving complex analyses utilizing highly sophisticated techniques. 
3. Provides guidance to laboratory staff, including technicians, support and auxiliary staff. 
4. Plans, organizes and leads the work of Lab Researchers and Lab Technicians.
5. Serves as the primary contact with the research staff for technical services on major techniques, recording devices and statistical procedures relative to the specifically assigned field.
6. Reviews quality control of new of modified laboratory techniques which may affect any part of major projects.
7. Performs routine and non-routine tests leading to the successful completion of developed experiments.
8. 8. Prepares statistical tabulations, using a calculator or computer.
9. Demonstrates enhanced proficiency in data analysis, preparation of glassware, extraction and plating procedures, programming and mathematical ordering systems.
10. Oversees supply functions, inventory control, equipment use and maintenance, and animal care and ordering, as needed.
11. Ensures laboratory and staff compliance with departmental, Institution and regulatory policies
12. Maintains compliance with all institutional / safety training requirements.
13. Maintains laboratory records, supplies, samples in an organized manner (such as a laboratory notebook and sample storage record).

Competencies:

Lab Researcher Technician: 

1. Laboratory Knowledge: Demonstrates and understands laboratory testing and methodology.
2. Decision Quality: Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement.   Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
3. Adaptability:  Maintains effectiveness in the midst of change in work responsibilities or environment, requirements ambiguity, or stress.
4. Problem Solving: Uses issue identification, data relation and comparison, pattern recognition and information gathering to create analyses and make recommendations.
5. Informing/Communicating: Conveys ideas, responses, or instructions effectively, appropriately, and persuasively through writing or speech.
6. Professional Relationships: Interacts with others in a constructive, positive, and respectful manner, regardless of individual differences. Assists team members or co-workers in achieving personal goals and completing assignments.

Lab Researcher and Senior Lab Researcher (the above plus):

1. Drive for Excellence: Consistently meets performance expectations, ensures that accurate, objective, and timely measures of quality are made and used.
2. Innovation Management:  Identifies key trends, opportunities, and organizational capabilities that would bring competitive advantage to the organization.  Sees trends before others and integrates concepts in a unique way.

Core Values:

1. Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
2. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
3. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly.
4. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually.
5. Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the institution.
6. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures.
7. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
8. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

BS /BA Degree required

Work Experience:

Lab Researcher Technician: 

A demonstrated basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, laboratory equipment, and data collection /classification required.

Lab Researcher:

Two years of Laboratory Experience required or a Master’s Degree and laboratory experience may be substituted for the required two years of work experience.

Senior Lab Researcher:

5 years of Laboratory Experience required or a  Master’s Degree and 3 years of laboratory experience may be substituted for the required 5 years of work experience.

Salary Range: $49,578 - $65,058