Research Assistant - Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Research Assistant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Job Purpose: Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.

• Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates.
• Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines.
• Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.
• Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated.
• Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.
• Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer‑reviewed journals.
• Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge.

Experience: Entry level (less than a year of job‑related experience). Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

• Prior experience in ophthalmology, vision science, microbiology, immunology, or related biomedical research.
• Hands‑on experience with ocular disease models and mouse studies, including animal handling, ocular procedures, tissue collection, and compliance with IACUC regulations.
• Proficiency in standard molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, flow cytometry, and aseptic laboratory practices.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and execute multiple experiments simultaneously while maintaining meticulous laboratory records and ensuring data quality and reproducibility.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Responsible for maintaining laboratory operations, including preparation of reagents and buffers, inventory management, ordering supplies, equipment maintenance, and ensuring laboratory compliance with safety protocols.
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