Research Assistant-Department of Otolaryngology

The Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Hospitals and Clinics is seeking a Research Assistant under the supervision of Dr. Alex Claussen.  Alexander Claussen, MD is an Otolaryngologist specializing in Otology and Neurotology. His clinical practice and research focus on hearing, auditory neuroscience, neural prosthetics and inner-ear immunology. Specifically, his laboratory focuses on the inner-ear inflammatory response to cochlear implantation, developing new technology and treatments to improve cochlear implant efficacy, understanding drug-induced hearing loss and basic inner-ear immunology. The overarching goal of these research efforts is to better understand different causes of hearing loss and develop improved treatments and rehabilitation methods for various causes of hearing loss.

BASIC FUNCTION

We are looking for a research assistant to help manage our wet laboratory space, assist with animal protocols and grant applications, help manage the laboratory budget, conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, train new students and help with manuscript preparation. You will work alongside the principal investigator, Alexander Claussen, as well as with rotating students and surgical residents from the Otolaryngology Department.  There are significant opportunities for publication, leadership and teaching experience, skill advancement and career growth.

Research in the natural, health, physical and social sciences is included in this job family.  Key areas of responsibilities include conducting research activities/experiments, collecting, analyzing and summarizing data, preparing reports, contributing to manuscripts/publications, administrative and project management, facilities and equipment management, and supervision/staffing.  Specifically, these responsibilities will apply within the setting of a hearing research laboratory utilizing animal, cell culture, histologic, electrophysiology and microscopic methodologies.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Research:

Track information in MS Word and Excel spreadsheets for research purposes. 

Perform data entry and correction on source documents and into electronic data capture system. 

Prepare progress reports and provide regulatory support for sponsored research studies to study sponsors and any relevant regulatory agencies.

Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project. 

Read and review articles as directed. 

As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypothesis for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.

Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:

Read and understand protocols.

Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols. 

Set up and operate research materials or equipment. 

Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.

Perform varied tasks in the research environment (lab).

Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.

Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.

Track progress of research activities.

Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data.

As individual skills develop: troubleshoot, analyze and propose modifications to protocols; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; present results at team meetings. 

Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications:

Collect and track, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used. 

Prepare materials for reports. 

As skills develop, analyze data. 

Contribute to publications. As skills develop, opportunity to author publications.

Present results/finding at team, departmental and national meetings.

Administrative and Project Management:

Assist with ACURF or similar protocol submissions.

Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.

Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

May initiate financial transactions. 

Facilities and Equipment Management:

Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment. 

Assist with procurement of supplies and materials. 

May initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts/expenditures; reconcile statements.

Supervision/Staffing:

As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.

UNIVERSAL COMPETENCIES

Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals from varied cultures, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Ability to utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals/needs. Able to demonstrate ethical behavior in diverse situations while producing results.

Ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.

JOB FAMILY TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of formal methodologies, tools and techniques for conducting research, studies and tests.

Knowledge of and the ability to locate, interpret and evaluate research findings compiled and documented by others and use this material to support empirical research.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize tools and techniques for producing well-written, meaningful and usable documentation of research findings.

Knowledge of practices, behaviors, applicable laws, rules, and regulations governing proper research conduct; ability to demonstrate ethical and compliant behavior in diverse situations.

Knowledge of the procedures and programs in place in the organization to ensure employee, student and subject safety (occupational safety, fire, patient, animal, drug, radiation, environmental safety and emergency plans); ability to train others; ability to take appropriate actions in case of emergency.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from a designated official and the Principal Investigator. Specifically, Alexander Claussen, MD and other laboratory staff will provide direct supervision and training on relevant laboratory techniques and protocols.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functional supervision may be exercised over support staff and students.