Staff Scientist (Rubinstein)
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Job Description

At Cincinnati Children's, we come to work with one goal: to make children's health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children's.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Has Been Named:

• Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 children's hospital in the nation
• One of four Medical Centers making the list of the 2022 Glassdoor Best Places to Work
• A Top Hospital and Health System for Diversity recognized by DiversityInc
• One of the nation's most innovative companies by Fortune in March 2023
• An LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer in 2022 by The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

The Human Immune Monitoring Program is a translational research hub that aims to help pre-clinical and clinical investigators working with immune and cellular therapies to plan, run, and interpret correlative studies performed using samples from therapy recipients.

The program seeks a research scientist to lead the daily research activities in conjunction with the program leader Dr. Jeremy Rubinstein. The majority of assays will be performed by CCHMC Shared Facilities (core labs). We anticipate that frequently performed assays done in core labs will include flow cytometry, cytokine analysis, ELISpot, DNA and RNA sequencing (bulk and single cell), metabolomics/proteomics, and CAR-T characterization. The job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Meeting with collaborating research teams to help determine appropriate correlative questions and determination of necessary patient sample volumes
• Receipt, processing, storage, and collation of research specimens
• Performing any necessary preparative steps done on samples prior to handing off to core facilities; this would include things like Ficoll separation, DNA or RNA isolation, antibody staining for flow cytometric analysis, etc
• Managing all elements of billing and payment for performed assays
• Analysis and interpretation of results
• Taking part in the scientific writing process for grant submission and publication
• Following the scientific literature to discover and potentially implement new research assays and strategies

This position will be the day to day manager of all elements of the program and is suitable for scientists with at least 10 years of experience following their terminal degree

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct Research/Lab Administration - Plans, directs and executes scientific research and laboratory experiments. Investigates the feasibility of applying a variety of scientific principles and concepts to solve problems. Works on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors, applying broad knowledge of principles, theories and standard scientific/research protocols. Uses professional concepts in accordance with objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways. Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Responsible for lab administration (IRB/IACCUC/biosafety). May oversee divisional or institutional core facilities, managing and/or providing training for instrumentation. Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. Design and perform experiments and record data according to research protocol. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used. Adapt new methods to existing procedures and modify current experiments through scientific knowledge and intuition.
  
• Research Standards - Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments. Develop, set-up and verify new procedures in the laboratory. Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Develop new assays and new protocols; design formats. Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Director and provide useful recommendations and analysis. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Maintain and repair equipment; monitor proper use by personnel. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Demonstrate performance at work, consistency in carrying out instructions, accuracy & attention to detail, achieving expected results & continuous improvement.
  
• Publish - A researcher of this distinction demonstrates continued productivity and has multiple publications (minimum 10), this is not a threshold but an example of the numerous publications that a conversation can begin to be considered for the role; impact on papers matter. Draft, write and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles and abstracts. Present at local, national and international scientific meetings. Assists PI to review papers for journals. Has written multiple Co-authorships, or a first author or co-senior author paper.
  
• Leadership - Provides guidance to junior lab members and trainees, serves as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance and work direction. May supervise junior staff. May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development and performance management. Leads research programs or research teams within a lab and serve as leaders of divisional cores. May act as spokesperson on research. and assist in determining methods and procedures on new assignments. Participates in teaching, lectures and lab class. Advises PI and other stakeholders as needed.
  
• Financial Responsibility/Contribution to Grants - Contribute to grant writing and applications. Assist in preparing, writing and maintaining fiscal budget. Monitor expenditures and prepare capital expenditure requests. Prepare, approve and initiate check requests; track funding, maintain accurate balance and resolve any discrepancies.
  
• Teamwork - Train and supervise the work of other laboratory personnel as appropriate. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations and publications. Present information on research and laboratory work to others at laboratory meetings, journal clubs and seminars. Demonstrate attendance and punctuality, ability to work independently & display initiative and dedication.
  

Demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought. Productivity as measured by continued Authorship on papers (i.e., lab, field of research and paper impact) first authorship is weighted more heavily. Increased contribution to grants. Increased responsibility in division and lab management, leadership within the lab, divisional responsibility. Makes important contributions to scientific literature and conferences.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD or MD
  
• 7+ years (after PhD or MD) or work experience in similar job or discipline
  

Market Leading Benefits Including*:

• Shift Differential, Weekend Differential, and Weekend Option Pay Programs
• Medical coverage starting day 1 of employment. View employee benefits here.
• Competitive retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Expansive employee discount programs through our many community partners
• Referral bonus program for current staff!
• Support through Employee Resource Groups such as African American Professionals Advisory Council, Asian Cultural and Professional Group, EQUAL - LGBTQIA Resource Group, Juntos - Hispanic/Latin Resource Group, Veterans and Military Family Advocacy Network, and Young Professionals (YP) Resource Group
• Physical and mental health wellness programs
• Relocation assistance available for some positions

*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type

Primary Location
Location R

Schedule
Full time

Shift
Day (United States of America)

Department
Oncology Department

Employee Status
Regular

FTE
1

Weekly Hours
40

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and treasures Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disability.

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