The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) is seeking a temporary Research Assistant to assist with gut and oral microbiome studies involving pregnant patients in the OB/GYN clinic. Primary duties include assisting with the operation, coordination, and data & biospecimen collection in relation to these research projects. Tasks will include recruiting and consenting participants, biospecimen collection (including oral/plaque samples, stool samples, and vaginal cultures), coordinating participant clinical schedules, and transporting specimens on-campus to the study's research lab. This position is on-site, and based out of our Farmington, CT location.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the close supervision of an employee of higher grade; works more independently with acquired experience
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
May lead paraprofessional clerical or other lower ranking employees as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Performs a limited range of related duties in conducting laboratory tests, provides support services for assigned research projects; may assist higher level research staff on assigned projects. Receives trainee assignments in designated research protocols, procedures, techniques and equipment; performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Basic knowledge of research protocols, principles and procedures; basic knowledge of scientific techniques such as tissue culturing, reagent/solution preparation, staining, etc.; basic knowledge of experimental design, mathematics, statistics, computer applications, laboratory equipment and procedures; basic knowledge of a science such as; chemistry, biology, microbiology, pharmacology; basic knowledge of physical and data resources in application scientific disciplines; oral and written communication skills; ability to identify, produce, organize, analyze, evaluate and interpret data.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
General Experience:
Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline, i.e., Biology, Medical Technology, Biochemistry, Psychology. Degrees in other areas may be substituted on a case by case basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Incumbents in this class may be required to undergo periodic tests or immunizations for communicable diseases.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to operate a computer and other research equipment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
At least one or two years of previous research experience.
Prior experience in a clinical setting and/or patient contact.
Working Conditions:
Incumbents in this class may be occasionally required to lift heavy objects such as standard laboratory equipment and/or trays/boxes or glassware; may be exposed to such hazards as broken glass, toxic vapors radioactive materials, and toxic or disease carrying substances.
SCHEDULE: This is an hourly position. Approximately 20-40 hours per week and schedule will vary upon department need and clinical scheduling
SALARY: $25.00 per hour. This position is not eligible for benefits and is a temporary position lasting eight months unless extended.
Why UConn Health
UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research, and clinical care. A commitment to human health and well-being has been of utmost importance to UConn Health since the founding of the University of Connecticut schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine in 1961. Based on a strong foundation of groundbreaking research, first-rate education, and quality clinical care, we have expanded our medical missions over the decades. In just over 50 years, UConn Health has evolved to encompass more research endeavors, to provide more ways to access our superior care, and to innovate both practical medicine and our methods of educating the practitioners of tomorrow.
