Research Associate Ii

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade R3: $73,520 - $86,500, commensurate with experience.

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded, 1 year temporary full time contract opportunity.

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology is the largest basic medical science department within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Our mission is to carry out world-class scientific research and evidence-based teaching. We have award-winning teachers who are committed to delivering high-quality and innovative education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, our department has a strong focus on research excellence with faculty members recognized internationally for their achievements.

The mission of the Feng laboratory is understanding molecular mechanisms that regulate cardiovascular function in health and disease.

**Responsibilities**:
The Research Associate will be responsible for directing projects, using animal models and cell based systems including organoids, that investigate ‘molecular mechanisms that regulate cardiovascular function in health and disease’ with a focus on embryonic heart development, pregestational diabetes and cardiovascular inflammation. The role will carry out and oversee original and independent research to assist in achieving the research outcomes and will assume responsibility, in consultation with the principal investigator (PI), for preparation of manuscripts for publication.

The Research Associate will provide leadership and assist in the training of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars. The role will have developed an independent research portfolio and will support and operationalize new and innovative research opportunities, develop research and project plans, design, build and run experiments, evaluate and interpret results, develop models and correlations, and prepare reports and other written material for presentations and/or submissions to various stakeholders as required.

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- PhD in Biomedical Sciences

**Experience**:

- 5 years’ experience working in a research-intensive laboratory environment including experience working in the area of small animal models of cardiovascular health and disease with excellent skills in carrying out in vivo studies related to embryonic heart development, pregestational diabetes and cardiovascular inflammation
- Experience in development of molecular investigations and therapeutic paradigms in congenital heart defects and maternal diabetes, and the development of cell culture-based systems for mechanistic studies
- Experience in studying cardiovascular biology and function readouts (e.g. heart morphogenesis, cardiovascular function, assessments of congenital heart defects, readouts of gene and protein expression, and cardiovascular inflammation, etc.)
- A strong publication record including first author publications would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Demonstrated molecular biology skills using rodents and cell culture systems
- Knowledge of regulations and guidelines governing research ethics in an academic environment and with best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals
- Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
- In depth knowledge with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
- Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users and with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and with data analysis software
- Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage activities both for self and others effectively
- Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
- Possesses a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
- Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
- Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach students and trainees to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the research team
- Strong record of teamwork with the motivation and ability to work independently with mínimal supervision
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with internal and external stakeholders
- Self-driven, independent thinker who is highly motivated and possesses an intrinsic passion for quality work outcomes and strong productivity
- Ability to interpret and identify key results from research and to succinctly summarize research findings

**Background Checks**:
Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce current record check(s) (e.g. vulnerable sector, criminal record and police information) from a police service prior to commencing employme