Research Associate I
Arkansas Children's
Summary
The Research Associate will work independently, applying prior experience in cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Primary responsibilities include developing, designing, managing, and executing experiments.
Job description
Summary
The Research Associate will work independently, applying prior experience in cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Primary responsibilities include developing, designing, managing, and executing experiments.
Responsibilities
- Cell culture techniques (treatment, harvesting, transfection)
- Molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, exosome isolation, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, ELISAs, immunohistochemistry)
- Processing of human biological samples — saliva, tracheal aspirate, blood, stool, and urine — under approved research protocols
- Maintain inventory of raw materials, buffers, and reagents, including accurate record-keeping
- Order equipment and supplies for the laboratory across all grants and general lab needs, remaining within budget; request price quotes and generate purchase orders
- Demonstrate proficient knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures needed to complete complex research assignments
- Manage small projects, including assessing feasibility of goals and objectives and ensuring efficient use of time and resources
- Review project progress and evaluate results
- Identify and propose technical solutions for troubleshooting experimental processes
- Stay current on techniques and equipment relevant to the lab's research, including extending existing technologies into new applications
- Advise the Senior PI on updated methods and troubleshooting strategies as needed
- Develop new techniques, concepts, and approaches to address complex research questions
- Utilize graphics and statistical software to analyze data for presentation at research conferences and in manuscript preparation
Additional Expectations
The incumbent must communicate regularly and effectively with the PI and research team, maintain a high degree of professionalism, and demonstrate strong time management and priority-setting skills. Flexibility to work in a dynamic laboratory environment is required, including occasional flexible hours to accommodate time-sensitive cell line work.
Description
- Assists with operation of analytical equipment
- Assists with quantitating various nutrients, chemicals, drugs and/or metabolites, ensuring quality and accurate results are provided
- Assists with extractions of metabolites and DNA extractions from a variety of biological substrates
- Assists with maintenance of laboratory equipment to keep it in proper working condition
- Observes and learns about the proper handling of radioactive and other hazardous chemicals
- Performs other duties as assigned
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED or equivalent
- Minimum of one (1) year of relevant research experience
- Prior hands-on cell culture experience required
- Basic familiarity with cell culture techniques required
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or a related scientific field (preferred)
Benefits
- Tobacco-free workplace
- Flu vaccines required
- Medical marijuana restriction
Company overview
Arkansas Children's is the only healthcare system in Arkansas solely dedicated to pediatric care, serving as a comprehensive pediatric medical center with a rich history spanning over 100 years. Founded originally as an orphanage in 1912, the organization has evolved into a premier pediatric healthcare system that includes two hospitals, a research institute, and a non-profit foundation. The flagship facility in Little Rock is a 336-bed hospital featuring the state's only pediatric Level I Trauma Center, burn center, Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit, and pediatric intensive care units. As a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's provides advanced medical education and training while delivering specialized care to infants, children, teens, and young adults from birth to age 21. The system is nationally recognized for excellence in pediatric specialties including cardiology, pulmonology, neonatology, and urology, and operates extensive outreach programs including telemedicine, mobile health services, and school-based health solutions across the state.