Research Assistant / Coordinator

Job Description:

The School of Engineering is a unique place, which emphasizes the power of interdisciplinary thought and recognizes that engineering is intertwined with every aspects of our lives. Under the leadership of Dean Tejal Desai, we are seeking a Research Assistant / Coordinator.

The Brown University School of Engineering seeks a Research Assistant / Coordinator to support basic and clinical translational neuroengineering research in the laboratory of Prof. David Borton. The Borton lab designs, develops, and deploys neurotechnology to better understand the nervous system and improve human lives. In particular, the laboratory focuses on spinal cord injury, mental illness, and Alzheimer’s Disease research.

The Research Assistant / Coordinator will help manage collaborative Borton Lab research projects with academic and industry partners. They will be under the direct guidance of the Principal Investigator, Prof. David Borton. The Research Assistant / Coordinator will manage laboratory protocols relating to human subjects (IRB) and animal research (IACUC) within the Borton Lab necessitating government-regulated training and developing and updating protocol documents and reports for internal and external funding agencies. The Research Assistant / Coordinator will help prepare preclinical (IACUC) and clinical (IRB) protocols and coordinate progress reports for both internal and external use.

The Borton Lab maintains a laboratory in the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center (PVAMC) Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology (CfNN). The Research Coordinator will act as the point person between laboratory work at the School of Engineering (SoE), the PVAMC, and the CfNN. This supportive work includes: coordinating purchases, equipment tagging, maintaining protocol compliance, and general communications with the CfNN administration.

In addition, the Research Assistant / Coordinator will manage other laboratory resources, including communication with outside vendors to maintain equipment, financial record keeping, and personnel records. The Research Assistant / Coordinator will manage laboratory events, coordinate meetings with collaborators, and assist in hiring lab personnel.

Finally, the Research Assistant / Coordinator will provide technical support to the cell-culture and wet-lab side of the laboratory. This will include ensuring supplies are maintained, performing basic cell-culture tasks (e.g. media changes, plate transfers, etc.), performing immunohistochemistry, and microscopy.

This is a two year, fixed-term position that may be extended, contingent upon the continued availability of funding.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, engineering, biology, or related field and 1-2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in either laboratory animal management or human clinical research management (IACUC or IRB familiarity) preferred.
• Strong digital organization experience (e.g. use of Google Suite, Dropbox, Box, and Adobe PDR; note taking and file sharing).
• Technical skills and experience in wet labs preferred, including immunohistochemistry, mammalian cell culture, and confocal microscopy.
• Experience in biomedical research or management is preferred.

Job Competencies

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Computer proficiency in word processing, data management and spreadsheets (Excel and Google Sheets)
• Initiative and judgment to independently problem solve and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment while maintaining careful attention to detail. 
• Proactive in nature, with a desire to support and enhance the existing environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents, both internal and external.
• Ability to maintain confidence and discretion in sensitive financial and personnel matters related to laboratory activities.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Knowledge of compliance issues related to federal research contracts and grants preferred.
• Detail oriented with a high level of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment. 

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the UHR web page here for further information.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and education verification.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2024-11-13

Job Posting Title:

Research Assistant / Coordinator

Department:

School of Engineering

Grade:

Grade 8

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Onsite

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.