Posting Number:

PG192617EP

Internal Recruitment :

No

Working Title:

Research Assistant

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$45,000

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4 PM (this is flexible). There will be occasional after-hours work, typically in the spring and fall (calving season). This will include both weekends and evenings.

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC

Department :

Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

About the Department:

The mission of the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology is to recruit, train, inspire, and graduate Doctors of Veterinary Medicine of exemplary knowledge, skill, and character. In order to maintain the intellectual and professional climate necessary to accomplish this mission, the department’s faculty will advance veterinary medical science through innovative basic and applied research, mentoring of students (undergraduate, professional, residents, and graduate), excellence in clinical and diagnostic services, and innovative extension and engagement activities.

North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a dynamic community whose members are dedicated to preparing veterinarians and veterinarian scientists while advancing animal and human health from the cellular level through entire ecosystems.With the graduation of its first class in 1985, the CVM is one of the younger veterinary programs in the country.

Essential Job Duties:

The research assistant will organize immunological, microbiological, pharmacological and clinically applied research involving cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and camelids. The main focus of Dr. Gamsjaeger’s lab is pre-weaning calf health, with an emphasis on passive immunity (e.g. colostrum management, maternal and neonatal vaccination strategies) and critical care of sick neonates (e.g. diagnostic markers for sepsis in ruminant neonates, anti-inflammatory therapy in septic ruminant neonates, fluid therapy in septic ruminant neonates).
This will require working independently to:

• plan trials (including literature review)
• communicate with research staff and producers
• collect data which will involve handling
• sampling and assessment of animals
• processing and, in part, laboratory analysis of the collected samples.

The research assistant should also be proficient with basic data management tools including Excel and familiar with or willing to learn common statistical software.
The research in Dr. Gamsjäger’s lab is mostly conducted on-farm, under “real life” conditions with minimal personnel, or in the clinic. Hence, large animal handling experience, preferably cattle handling, and outstanding organizational skills are required. The research assistant will be expected to collect and organize data and conduct data analysis. Opportunities for participation in manuscript writing (as primary and/or contributing author) and drafting grants will be available based on the person’s skills and interest. The research assistant is also involved in the planning of research projects and keeps up with trends and current developments.

Laboratory techniques employed in the lab regularly include on-farm diagnostic test performance (e.g. Brix refractometry) and basic sample processing (e.g. serum separation and freezing), and may expand to basic immunological assays (Radial Immunodiffusion, ELISA), DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing prep and PCR. Highly skilled individuals are available to teach these laboratory techniques if the hired research assistant has not performed these before. The ability to work independently in order to coordinate and carry out a research project, and the capacity to troubleshoot problems and address issues as they arise are required. The ability to perform safe restraint of large and small ruminants, blood collection, fecal sample collection, basic physical examination of cattle, sheep, goats and camelids, drug administration, milking, placement of IV catheters is required. Understanding of basic neonatal disease mechanisms and immunological techniques is required. Sample types include animal blood and fecal samples with the potential for zoonotic disease transmission.

The ability to perform basic laboratory techniques with a willingness to gain new skills is required. Additional responsibilities include organization and maintenance of the laboratory space and assistance with training veterinary students, undergraduates and graduate students rotating through the laboratory. This position will include teaching and supervising in lab safety, microbiology, pharmacology and basic immunological techniques and appropriate animal care. We are a highly collaborative lab and value team science, so the ability to work with others in a collegial way is vital.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Relevant Master’s degree OR Relevant Bachelor’s and 3 or more years of relevant experience.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Understanding of the role of research support in a veterinary environment.
• Ability to collect samples from research subjects or clinical patients.
• Ability to administer medications and monitor for any abnormalities.
• Ability to perform sample processing and basic immunological techniques with a willingness to gain new skills.
• Ability to lift 60 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master in Public Health (MPH) or Master in Science in epidemiology or biostatistics
• Excellent organizational skills.
• A minimum of one year experience performing statistical analysis, demonstrated attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication.

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

NC State Drivers Licenses

Valid NC Driver's License required:

Yes

Commercial Driver's License required:

No

Job Open Date:

06/02/2023

Anticipated Close Date:

Open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please attach a cover letter (optional), resume, and contact information to three (3) professional references.

Position Number:

00108985

Position Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week):

1.0

Appointment:

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather:

Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events:

Mandatory - Medical Emergencies

Is this position partially or fully funded on ARRA stimulus monies?:

No

Department ID:

196001 - Dept-Population,Health,Pathobi

AA/EEO:

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.