Research Specialist

Position Details

• Title:
  
  Research Specialist
• Location:
  
  Upper East Side
• Org Unit:
  Nephrology and Hypertension
• Work Days:
  Weekdays and some weekends
• Weekly
  
  Hours:
  
  35.00
• Exemption Status:
  Non-Exempt
• Salary Range: $29.26 - $36.65

The research in the laboratory of Dr. Myles Wolf focuses on the investigation of mineral metabolism and tissue-specific vitamin D metabolism in chronic kidney disease. Normal calcium and phosphate homeostasis is essential for myriad cellular and metabolic functions that ensure healthy skeletal development and optimal organ function. Disordered mineral homeostasis can cause metabolic bone diseases and nephrolithiasis and is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that contributes to its high rates of cardiovascular disease, fracture, and death.

The tight balance of serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF
23) and vitamin D, is severely disrupted in chronic kidney disease. The main focus of our current work is CYP
24A1, the enzyme catabolizing the biologically active form of vitamin D through 24‑hydroxylation. We believe that a tissue‑specific inhibition of CYP
24A1 can be utilized to safely treat patients with CKD and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Our recent study prevailed against conventional teaching, which attributes the main actions of CYP
24A1 to the kidney, to show that CYP
24A1 expression in the intestines is capable of influencing systemic parameters of mineral metabolism such as PTH and FGF
23 levels. These results have direct clinical implications, by opening a new pathway for the control of disrupted mineral metabolism in CKD by targeting vitamin D metabolism outside the kidney. We are currently working on translating our latest findings to other target organs of vitamin D and on taking the next steps for the clinical implementation of these findings. We are looking for a motivated and engaged team member interested in inter‑disciplinary research to support our efforts to ultimately improve the treatment options for patients with chronic kidney disease.

• Evaluates, recommends, and develops new techniques to assist in overall laboratory efficiency.
• Writes/amends laboratory operating protocols and implements new technology and protocols as needed.
• Ensures laboratory quality assurance goals and standards are met. Evaluates results of quality control trends and implements corrective action when needed.
• May independently or semi‑independently, design and carry out experiments. Analyzes and interprets experimental results and provides input related to subsequent experimental designs.
• Conducts library research and literature searches using various computer systems. Assists in editing scientific publications, abstracts and/or posters.
• Audits and screens vendors/suppliers to evaluate the quality of products and equipment they supply. Corresponds with them for technical support pertaining to those products.
• Responsible for tissue & cell culture activities.
• Prepares and maintains detailed records, logs and summary reports of all procedures and results including graphs, scientific calculations, and statistical analysis charting.
• Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment and/or reagents. May order supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensure that needs are escalated appropriately. Receives supply orders and confirms accuracy of delivery. May assist with cost control.
• Ensures a clean working area and is responsible for washing and storing glassware.
• Ensures that safe laboratory practices are followed, including the use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• May need to assist in the orientation and training of new investigators, fellows, residents, and technical staff and/or provide working supervision to lower level laboratory staff.
• May be responsible for animal husbandry, genotyping, surgeries, post‑operative care, behavioral testing, sectioning and histology.
• May perform routine molecular biology laboratory procedures, such as PCR, protein and DNA electrophoresis, cloning and DNA preparation.
• May run routine biochemistry assays including western blotting and RT‑PCR.
• May perform…