Working title:

Research Specialist

Official title:

SR RESEARCH SPEC(T16BN) or RESEARCH SPECIALIST(T16DN) or ASSOC RESEARCH SPEC(T16FN)

Degree and area of specialization:

BS in biological or related science required.

Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience:

One or more years of experience in a research laboratory required. Prior experience with tissue handling or histology preferred. Working knowledge of ELISA techniques desired.

The ideal applicant's prior work experience should demonstrate the following: attention to detail, good social skills, ability to work in a team environment as well as individually and an interest in pathology. IRB and protocol maintenance and lab management skills are also valuable.

Principal duties:

The Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program conducts research in the field of aging and dementia. It currently seeks to establish effective prevention, treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. A research specialist is needed to be involved the collection and distribution of human brain tissue samples for the UW/VA Madison Brain Bank. The Brain Bank houses human brain, nervous tissue, CSF and blood samples for use in research studies.

This position will require all stages of tissue procurement: recruitment of donors, obtaining fresh tissue samples, freezing for repository, cataloguing into database, maintenance of the tissue repository and delivery to research facilities. The research specialist will be responsible for running all aspects of this Brain Bank as well as monthly Brain Bank meetings in order to update the Board of Directors on the success of the tissue repository. The research specialist will also act as a liaison with those researchers studying these specimens.

The position will require close interaction with faculty pathologists, pathology trainees, autopsy technologists as well as other physicians and scientists. The applicant will be expected to become familiar with and compliant to national standards regarding tissue collection, storage and distribution. The applicant will help to develop, review and maintain protocols associated with specimen storage and distribution. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to perform ELISA assays on collected tissues, including brain, CSF and serum collected data to be analyzed and sent to the investigator. The suitable candidate should be comfortable working with blood and fresh human tissue specimens. Responsibilities also include preparation and presentation of recruitment materials, presentations and assisting in the design of experiments. Patient donor registration and troubleshooting is also expected.

Additional Information:

Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, computer/database skills and the ability to work well with others are mandatory. Ability to work on a Macintosh computer is desired.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION

Application must be received by: AUGUST 29, 2008

HOW TO APPLY:

Unless another application procedure has been specified above, please send resume and cover letter referring to Position Vacancy Listing #59459 to