Translational Research Specialist
Location: Upper East Side
Salary Range: $36.21 - $43.41 an hour
*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices
Position Summary
Responsible for overseeing and coordinating laboratory activities associated with specimen processing and novel EIPM research assays and processes. Under direction of platform managers, is responsible for facilitating downstream translational research sample prioritization and assay execution. This role oversees experimental strategies, ensures that work flow design is adequate and efficient for key processes, and may perform selected procedures in the wet lab associated with molecular, genomic, histology, organoid, and/or biobanking methods, including but not limited to sample preparation, tissue culturing and processing, quality control, and biospecimen storage and tracking.
Job Responsibilities
- Oversees and assists in developing protocols for novel research processes, such as sample extraction and QC, tissue culture protocols, tissue optimization, and biobanking. Design straining materials for new employees to ensure proper use of all protocols.
- Facilitates downstream experimental strategies or analyses from translational research samples. Coordinates assay prioritization and execution with platform managers.
- Oversees translational research sample receipt and downstream processing and accessioning from WCM/NYP clinics and external institutions.
- May be responsible for overseeing next-generation biobanking work flows and facilitating the receipt, storage, cataloguing and shipment of samples within and between institutions.
- Performs advanced analyses to measure research assay performance and efficiency. Prepares and maintains detailed QC documentation logs and laboratory notebooks for progress reporting and experimental tracking for the platform.
- Evaluates results of quality control trends and implements corrective action when needed. May independently or semi-independently, design and carry out experiments.
- Ensures that storage units and laboratory databases are being maintained and monitored appropriately. Performs routine equipment maintenance, as needed.
- May perform various molecular biology procedures, such as PCR, DNA/RNA extractions, protein and DNA electrophoresis, blood processing, cloning, tissue culture, and drug experiments.
- Enters experimental, technical, and QC data into the laboratory information management system (LIMS). Designs and centralizes SOP modifications and communicates to software team for systems integration.
- Conducts library research and literature searches using various computer systems. Assists in editing scientific publications, abstracts and/or posters.
- Assists in the orientation and training of new investigators, fellows, residents, and technical staff in the use of equipment, products and experimental techniques.
- Provides working supervision to junior laboratory staff as needed. Directs research support for staff to execute proper triaging of samples for downstream procedures.
- Ensures a clean working area and prepares laboratory for next day's processing requirements.
- 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 run routine biochemistry assays including western blotting and RT-PCR.
Education
Experience
- Approximately 3-5 years of related work experience within a laboratory.
- Prior experience handling biological specimens is required.
- Prior experience in molecular biology techniques such as sample extraction and tissue culture is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task and handle multiple competing priorities.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to mentor others.
Licenses and Certifications
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
- Standard laboratory conditions.
- This position may require standing or sitting for long periods of time.
- This role may require working within Biologic Safety Level 1 and 2.
Competencies
- Appreciates and understands the connection between individual goals, departmental goals and the organizational mission.
- Approaches our job knowing that there are internal and external customers whose expectations we strive to exceed.
- Demonstrates integrity and ethics at all times.
- Maintains a flexible and forward thinking approach to the way work is done.
- Maintains a team-oriented approach, and possesses the ability to cultivate positive and collegial workplace relationships.
- Possesses excellent work-related skills and the ability to apply them, while continually seeking ways to improve.
- Possesses the ability to facilitate the flow of information through effective written and oral communication.
- Understands the need to be responsible for our own outcomes, and takes pride in delivering e best possible work product.
Weill Cornell Medicine is a comprehensive academic medical center that is committed to excellence in patient care, scientific discovery, and the education of future physicians and scientists in New York City and around the world. Our doctors and scientists - faculty from Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and the Weill Cornell Physician Organization - are engaged in world-class clinical care and cutting-edge research that connect patients to the latest treatment innovations and prevention strategies. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side's scientific corridor, Weill Cornell Medicine's powerful network of collaborators extends to its parent university Cornell University; to Qatar, where an international campus offers a U.S. medical degree; and to programs in Tanzania, Haiti, Brazil, Austria and Turkey. Our medical practices serve communities throughout New York City, and our faculty provide comprehensive care at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Behavioral Health Center, and NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens. At Weill Cornell Medicine, we work together to treat each individual, not just their conditions or illnesses, as we strive to deliver the finest possible care for our patients - the center of everything we do. Weill Cornell Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Weill Cornell Medicine provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to protected status, including race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.