Research Associate Masters in Translational Lung Research Neonatal Diseases Research Program/Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City - a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

The Neonatal Diseases Research Program (Director: Dr. Venkatesh Sampath) and the Division of Neonatology (Director: Dr. Steve Olsen) are looking to hire a Masters level scientist to conduct translational/ basic science research in the areas of neonatal intestinal and lung injury. The NDRP, which focuses broadly on the molecular mechanisms regulating endothelial and epithelial injury in the context of the developing lung and intestine, is funded by the NHLBI, NICHD, NIDDK, research foundations and institutional funds. The laboratory uses transgenic mouse models, human genetics, induced pluripotent stem cells-derived models, cell-culture, microbiome analyses, and novel therapeutics to study the inflammatory/developmental basis of diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease and neonatal infections. The laboratory currently employs 5 full time PhD and masters level scientists. Translational research endeavors are supported by neonatal research coordinators. Faculty and clinical fellows from Neonatology as well as faculty from infectious disease and immunology participate in the NDRP. We advocate a culture of discovery, innovation, diversity, team science and excellence. Access to an active neonatal genomic biorepository established by Dr. Sampath, that houses de-identified DNA samples from well-characterized preterm cohorts, is available. The Neonatal Diseases Research Program (NDRP) laboratories has >1000 sq. feet of wet lab space located on the west side of 7^th floor of Children's Mercy Research Institute, a modern state-of-art research tower that houses 375,000 total sq. ft of research space. Apart from individual labs, the CMRI houses research cores that support genomics, flow cytometry, imaging, GMP biologics, and is developing a rodent vivarium.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with advanced molecular and cell biology techniques to study epithelial/gut injury in the context of the developing intestine and disease models of necrotizing enterocolitis. Specific expertise in epithelial biology, animal husbandry and genotyping, PCR assays, bioinformatics and rodent work is preferred. The position will involve weekend work including mouse injections and treatments. Scholarship opportunities to lead research projects/publish and present at scientific meetings is encouraged. Minimal requirements include a Masters degree with 3-5 years of experience. The qualified applicant will work as part of a vibrant team consisting of physician-scientists, research technicians and PhD scientists under the guidance of Dr. Sampath. This position is available for an initial period of 2-3 years.

For more information on our work

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1Z550cdModXQt/bibliography/public/

https://www.childrensmercy.org/childrens-mercy-research-institute/news-and-stories/dr-venkatesh-sampath-receives-2-5-million-nih-grant-study-mechanisms-underlying-necrotizing-enterocolitis-premature-infants/

https://www.childrensmercy.org/childrens-mercy-research-institute/news-and-stories/dr-venkatesh-sampath-collaborators-receive-nichd-grant-study-safety-of-new-brain-sparing-corticosteroid-prevent-bpd-premature-infants/

Ability to work independently as well as in a team (required)
• Good oral and written communication skills (required)
• Availability/commitment to work selectively on weekend days (required).
• Animal models - Experience working with neonatal rodents, genotyping, animal husbandry/genotyping especially neonatal rodents (required)
• Writes and executes protocols for experiments. Organizes, analyzes, and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques, manuscript writing (preferred)
• Single cell RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, and computational analysis tools (preferred).
• Molecular biology - Cloning, nucleic acid purifications, Sequencing, CoIP, ChIP, Southern blot, Western blot, In vitro phosphatase assay, Protein purification, ELISA (preferred).
• Cell biology - Experience with cell culture, cell phenotyping by FACS, genetic silencing.
• Expertise in intestinal work and epithelial biology (preferred)

• Ability to work with trainees and guide them through their projects (preferred)

• Master's Degree and 3-5 years experience Medical education and training and other biomedical laboratory work could be considered as work related experience.

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $28.39/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children's Mercy locations and may not work from home.

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation all are factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our patients and families come from all walks of life, and so do we. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, languages spoken, veteran status, color, religion, disability and beliefs.