Research Specialist- IL- Pharmacy Practice

The Research Specialist is a grant-funded position and will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator in Pharmacy Practice and will be directly involved in assay development and biospecimen analysis. Expectations of the position include participation in the analysis and interpretation of data, results troubleshooting, scientific writing, and presentation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in scientific forums.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a wide variety of standard research procedures in the PI’s laboratory and follows established procedures and protocols with minimal errors.
• Participates in the analysis and interpretation of data and assists with troubleshooting results.
• Supports the P.I. with scientific writing and preparing presentations of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in scientific forums.
• Assists with training the MWU campus community (i.e., students, volunteers, staff, and faculty) in laboratory safety procedures and protocols with limited supervision. 
• Coordinates all standard maintenance of the lab.
• Utilizes MWU service and support systems to ensure the lab is maintained and operational by coordinating laboratory purchases, obtaining quotes, ordering lab supplies, and keeping the laboratory appropriately stocked at all times.
• Assists the P.I. with abstract submissions and poster preparation, evidenced by acknowledgments or co-authorship on posters and presentations.
• Supports publication of research results through a technical acknowledgment or co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications.
• Aids the P.I. with developing new protocols.
• Performs literature searches, being sure to adhere to proper guidelines.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in biological science, chemistry, or related field with at least 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience is required or a research thesis-based Master’s degree in biological science, chemistry, or related field with at least 2 years full-time paid relevant laboratory experience. Experience with assay development and biospecimen analysis is desired.

Excellent communication skills, and the ability to train students, staff, and faculty in proper laboratory safety procedures and protocols. Must have a flexible schedule and the ability to occasionally work late hours, weekends, and overtime when necessary. Must be willing to work with human biospecimens. Experience with HPLC or LC-MS/MS is preferred, but not required. Experience with (or willingness to learn) PK/PD analytical methodologies will be an asset.

Computer Skills:

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required. Experience with Statistics, Graphing, and Pharmacokinetic modeling software is desirable but not required.

Language Skills:

Intermediate Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal communications with faculty, staff, students, and outside vendors and collaborators.

Reasoning Ability:

High Skills: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exits. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. 

Mathematical Skills:

Intermediate Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interests, commissions and proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Other skills can be taught.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.  This individual is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel crouch or crawl, taste or smell.  This individual is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.  Close and distance vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes, ability to distinguish depth and shades of grey scale. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electric shock, radiation and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech-language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the healthcare team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability, and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care accounts.  We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

 Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts

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Qualifications Education Required Bachelors or better.

Experience Required

3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience is required or a research thesis-based Master’s degree in biological science, chemistry or related field with at least 2 years’ full-time paid relevant laboratory experience.