Description

A postdoctoral Research Fellow position is open to work in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery with Drs. Morales and Zafar. The work focuses on outcomes research related to the pediatric heart failure population, particularly focusing on better utilization of ventricular assist device and improvement in allocation of donor organs in this population.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and perform experiments and record data according to research protocol. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used. Adapt new methods to existing procedures and modify current experiments through scientific knowledge and intuition. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, and abstracts
• Develop, set-up, and verify new procedures in the laboratory. Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Develop new assays and new protocols; design formats.
• Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.
• Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications. Present information on research and laboratory work to others at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and seminars.
• Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Maintain and repair equipment; monitor proper use by personnel.
• Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks.
• Follow policies and procedures governing the handling of confidential information as defined by Cincinnati Children's mission and applicable laws and regulations. Ensure timeliness, accuracy, availability, and security of information.
• Perform routine procedures within respective discipline, including the collection and analysis of research data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars. Implement this knowledge into the Division/Department.
• Recommend approaches for improvement activities, recommend, and perform new processes, collect and measure data, develop processes based on performance, and communicate results.
• Participate in establishing job requirements and goals; perform duties at the desired level of competency.
• Understand, adhere to, and model Core Standards as defined organizationally and specifically within the department/unit.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in related discipline, MD, or equivalent required.
Candidates should have a background and training in clinical research, statistics, animal research, and a strong interest in surgical sciences.

REQUIRED SKILLS: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrate attention to detail, strong organizational skills, supervisory ability, and an innovative approach to experimental design. Computer literate and working knowledge of software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, and database). Analytical ability sufficient to compare data; mathematical ability sufficient to perform algebraic calculations and statistical analysis. Ability to synthesize information and to create and deal with new situations by applying past experiences. Expressed willingness to teach others and share results. Capable of meeting time demands necessary to execute experiments.