Research Associate - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Research Associate
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Associate
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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.
• Prepare and present presentations regarding research results for professional, scientific and academic conferences. Summarize and organize data results for submittal to academic and scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. Write scientific manuscripts and other documents for publication. Fact-check, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.
• 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.

Perform and support molecular biology, immunology, and cell biology experiments. Assist with mouse colony maintenance, breeding records, genotyping coordination, and tissue collection as needed. Support experiments related to pregnancy, placental biology, maternal-fetal immunology, inflammation, and infection-related research. Maintain laboratory organization, including reagent inventory, ordering, supply tracking, and equipment maintenance. Prepare buffers, reagents, and common laboratory materials. Help maintain accurate experimental records, lab protocols, and safety documentation.

Train and assist students or junior lab members in basic laboratory procedures. Coordinate day-to-day lab operations to ensure smooth workflow and compliance with institutional safety and research policies.

Education Bachelor's degree Bachelor's degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge, predominantly intellectual in character, in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience) Experience performing basic research techniques, preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings in reports and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, immunology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Prior hands-on experience in a research laboratory. Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR, genotyping, RNA/DNA/protein extraction, Western blot, ELISA, or related assays. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Good communication skills and willingness to support both research and lab management needs.

Experience with mouse handling, colony management, breeding, tissue collection, or IACUC-related procedures. Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, immunological assays, or animal models. Prior experience managing lab inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, or coordinating lab operations. Experience in pregnancy, placental biology,…