Research Specialist II - Pediatrics - Rowitch Lab (Full-Time)

Come join our team! Cedars-Sinai Pediatrics is seeking a dynamic Sr. Research Specialist to join as lead lab scientist & lab manager for the new Cedars-Sinai Rowitch Lab.

Under the direction of Professor David Rowitch, MD, PhD, the Rowitch Lab investigates overlapping mechanisms in glial developmental biology human diseases such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and brain cancer.

Ready to participate in groundbreaking research that matters?

The Research Specialist, Sr utilizes a solid foundation in research and experience with techniques associated with a specific research area. Incumbent exercises independent judgment while developing and implementing research programs, project planning, enrollment of patients, experimental protocols and procedures, database development and analysis including evaluating and interpreting results. Supervises lab activities, including research grant management, human resources, responsibility delegation, and provide training to other individuals who may be assigned to the project, study, or laboratory. Reports to and works closely with Principal Investigator and has independent supervision of a laboratory or program. Prepares grant proposals, publications, and presentations. Functions as a bridge between research and clinical programs which may have local and national contributors and investigators relying on information provided. Has delegated authority to make substantive decisions and commitments in accord with the established goals and objectives of the laboratory.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a project lead and coordinator interacting with collaborators, clinical research personnel and researchers as part of the research team.
• Participate in all aspects of clinical development and study management (protocol design, patient enrollment, development and implementation of protocols, and if applicable, submission of IRB applications and approvals).
• Operate appropriate lab equipment & follow established procedures or protocols to perform laboratory tests and/or experiments which will include: basic tissue culture, immunoassays, molecular biology techniques, microscopy, animal preparation (e.g. tail vein injections) and surgery.
• Identify and resolve common problems involved in routine research assays.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clinical investigators and manages internal and external collaborative research projects.
• Serve as a scientific resource for the affiliated pre-clinical research laboratory (e.g., assisted with experimental designs, data analysis, interpretation of scientific literature). Provide scientific expertise to ongoing and future trials.
• Supervise, lead, and train assigned lab staff.
• Prepare grant applications and oversees submission process, including writing of grant proposal.
• Monitor inventory levels, orders materials and supplies according to established policies and procedures.
• Operate lab computers for data entry and maintains accurate data records.
• Use various software applications, such as spreadsheets, electronic mail, World Wide Web, statistical packages, and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts, or equivalent, in biological sciences, chemistry, or related discipline required. PhD degree strongly preferred.

Experience Requirements:

• Five to seven (5-7) years experience in area of research specialty and with post-undergraduate experience in a comparable laboratory performing relevant techniques is required
• Training and knowledge in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Expertise in translational biomedical research. Knowledge of biostatistics as it is applied to clinical trial data analysis.
• Ability to communicate scientific and clinical information in the context of multidisciplinary teams. Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, written and verbal. Strong computer skills are essential.