Research Technician/Associate

Position Summary

The Research Technician will work full-time in a highly experienced and academically productive preclinical and basic science research lab developing new therapies for life-threatening events including cardiac arrest, hemorrhagic shock, traumatic brain injury, and septic shock conducted in acute and survival animal models developed in rats and swine. The work is complemented by exploring underlaying mechanisms at the cell level with special focus on mitochondrial bioenergetic function.

The research lab has a long track-record of uninterrupted research funding for more than 25 years, including NIH, DoD, VA, industry, foundations, and internal institutional awards conducted initially at the North Chicago VA (currently, the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center), subsequently at Rosalind Franklin University, and currently at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital developing collaborations with Loyola University Chicago.

The ideal Research Technician or Research Associate (contingent on qualifications and experience) will demonstrate a past record of being a hardworking driven individual with initiative and ability to solve problems and complete tasks while valuing the critical importance of effective teamwork for success. The Research Technician/Associate will work from conception to completion of research projects, assist with the publication of results in peer-reviewed journals, help with maintaining the lab operation, and contribute to a strong academic research environment, open to medical students and trainees.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducting experiments in acute and survival swine and rat models requiring induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, airway management, vascular catheterizations, and other model-specific surgical interventions.
• Help with the preparation and submission of research protocols for IACUC review and approval.
• Apply research protocols with the required scientific rigor.
• Develop expertise with all the equipment and measurements required to conduct the experiments.
• Perform the corresponding data analysis and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
• Identify sources of research funding and work with the Director preparing grant applications.
• Become an effective team player working collaboratively to ensure success of the various projects.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.

Required Education & Experience

• A MSc, PhD, or MD degree with solid understanding of cardiovascular physiology.
• Prior laboratory research experience ideally working with animal models that may include conducting surgeries in rat and swine.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledgeable of basic laboratory techniques.
• Proficiency in English language (i.e., speaking, reading, and writing).
• Solid organizational, planning, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in various computer programs, especially those in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work accurately with solid attention to details.
• Ability to achieve success working independently and/or as part of a team.
• Ability to assume responsibility and plan for success.
• Flexibility to adjust the working schedule to the needs of the experiments including evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• MSc, PhD, or MD degree in Biological Sciences, with solid understanding of cardiovascular physiology.
• Surgical experience in small and large animal models conducting acute experiments and experiments with recovery from anesthesia and survival.
• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical strength to handle large animals and to perform duties while standing up for several hours while conducting large animal experiments.

Salary:

• Salary is $25.00 to $34.00 per hour based on education, experience, knowledge, and skill level plus fringe benefits.

About Us

The Chicago Association for Research and Education in Science (CARES) is a non-profit research and education corporation associated with William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison WI; Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL; and Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, IL.

OUR MISSION

Dedicated to improving the Health and Health Care of United States Military Veterans through Medical Research and Education

This is not a federal position.

Security and background checks will be conducted. EOE