College of Medicine

Department of Internal Medicine

Division of Infectious Diseases, Virology Laboratory

The University of Cincinnati, founded in 1819, is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio. The university boasts a student body of over 43,000 enrolled in over 370 programs of study and is the region’s largest employer with over 15,000 faculty, staff and student workers. The University of Cincinnati embraces diversity and inclusion as core values and seeks to empower all members of the university community.

The College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Virology Laboratory, is currently accepting applications for two (2) full time, Research Assistant. This position will support the University’s mission and commitment to excellence and diversity in our students, faculty, staff and all our activities.

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant is responsible for processing and storage of specimens as defined by protocol requirements using Lab Processing Charts in accordance with policies and procedures established either by the Lab supervisor, Lab director, ACTG, HPTN, DAIDS, CLIA, UC and other governmental agencies.  The Research Assistant is responsible for executing laboratory experiments in coordination with the IDC Principal Investigator.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform PBMC cryopreservation and various blood container types, Heparin, ACD and EDTA.
• Package of infectious, diagnostic and biological substance samples in compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods regulation.  
• Shipment of infectious, diagnostic and biological substance samples in compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods regulation.
• Specimen troubleshooting, problem solving and resolution, and specimen transportation.
• Computerized specimen data entry, heavy documentation, and filing, faxing, telephone interface and lab result report generations.
• Attend annual Chemical, Blood Bourne Pathogens and Tuberculosis, and OSHA Hazard Communication Standard training.
• Dissecting and processing Adipose and Lymph tissues and sample media stabilization preparation for shipping.
• Organize and execute laboratory-processing charts for each research study protocols.
• Package and shipment of Diagnostic, Biological and infectious substances via Federal Express, World Courier or UPS shipping companies.
• Attend new protocol start-up meetings, conference calls and annual ACTU and HPTN conferences in Washington.
• Heavy communication with other national labs, site nursing staff, physicians, protocol monitors and international communication with labs in other countries.
• LDMS database entry, troubleshooting and specimen storage and retrieval.
• Performs OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV ½ Antibody Testing and hCG Pregnancy testing, monitor test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained
• Sample processing and shipment from Cardiology, Oncology, Pulmonary, Digestive Disease and other departments within UC.
• Review protocol lab processing charts
• Assist with submissions to billing for contract pricing.
• Contact person for Lab Services Core Processing Lab, and processing trainer for new lab techs and procedures.
• Processing and cryopreservation of CSF samples, preparation for liquid nitrogen shipments.
• Conduct FACS analysis, including antibody panel design, sample processing, data acquisition, analysis and reporting.
• Prepare culture media, cultivate specimens, report culture data results.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments in coordination with senior laboratory personnel and PI.
• Use and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment required for research studies.
• Coordinate sample processing and analysis with other research and commercial laboratories.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments.
• Perform statistical and graphical analysis of data.
• Increase knowledge and skills in laboratory techniques and software applications necessary to conduct the assigned laboratory work and experiments.
• Participate fully as a vital member of the IDC Research Team to ensure the continued success and growth of our unit including attendance at meetings as assigned; lab orientation, training, certification and annual evaluation/documentation of performance; completion of continuing education and training programs as assigned on continual basis.

• Other duties as delegated/assigned by the IDC Lab Manager, Clinical Research Director or Principal Investigator.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related profession/field or an equivalent level of experience.

Ideal Qualifications:

• Minimum 1-year relevant laboratory experience preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Meticulous documentation skills
• A willingness to learn, excellent vision and strong reading comprehension is necessary.
• Proficiency in various computer and software applications (Microsoft Office) preferred
• Must be available to work rotating shifts (day, evening and some nights) and rotating weekends.

Special Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift a maximum of 30 pounds; walk distances throughout the hospital community; and ability to stand and/or sit extended periods of time.  Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

This position will be a professional position paid at an hourly rate.

The University of Cincinnati, as a multi-national and culturally diverse university, is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of learning and employment. As part of a complete job application you will be asked to include a Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion statement.

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).

The University of Cincinnati is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer / M / F / Veteran / Disabled.

REQ: 37886

SF:OMJ SF:RM SF:INS  SF:INS