Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical researchers, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical-translational research hub. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building will start, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10-15 new faculty. With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

Under the direction of Principal Investigator (PI), this position is responsible for coordinating and administratively supporting research programs. This senior position will assist the PI with preparation of manuscripts and applications for funding, post-award management, and coordinating lab-based and clinical research programs. Appropriately qualified candidates will have the opportunity to dedicate up part of their effort to benchwork focused on generating preliminary data to support new applications for funding.

The Deininger lab expertise is in the translational research of leukemia. The lab's research program focuses on the biology of myeloproliferative neoplasms and the development of molecular targeted therapies. We are especially interested in developing novel anti-neoplastic targeted therapies in myeloid leukemia, as well as understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer stem cell persistence and leukemia drug resistance.

Our lab orchestrates a multi-disciplinary cancer research program, straddling genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering. We are proud of our vibrant team of scientists who strive to improve the diagnosis, deep analysis, and therapeutics of myeloid leukemia.

• Serves as the primary person for writing of advanced drafts of grant applications, manuscripts, and clinical trial protocols
• Oversees industry contracts, budgets, and other administrative application components; identifies and pursues strategic funding opportunities and manages multi-institutional budgets
• Assists with progress reports and other compliance work
• Establishes and maintains national and international collaborations; ensures effective communication with collaborators and manages collaborative databases
• Identifies intramural and extramural opportunities for collaboration
• Interfaces with the clinical research programs
• Develops, plans, and implements strategies, goals, and approach for programs and events
• Organize research meetings as needed
• Optional: dedicates effort to benchwork to generate preliminary data in pursuit of funding
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in science or another related field required
• PhD in Cellular, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields required

Experience

• 4-6 years of hands-on research experience in a biomedical laboratory setting required
• 4-6 years of experience in scientific writing required
• 2-3 years of clinical research experience preferred
• 2-3 years of health experience preferred

Required experience in the field

• Previous experience in working with animal models of leukemia is desired.
• Strong background and profound knowledge in hematological malignancies is required.
• Evidence of scientific rigor and excellence as documented by peer-reviewed publications in hematological malignancies is required.
• Demonstrated ability to independently apply understanding of scientific theory to the design and execution of leukemia research experiments is required.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of scientific method, including designing hypothesis-driven biomedical experiments required
• Strong interpersonal skills and service mentality required
• Ability to be an effective liaison between sponsors, investigators, health care workers, sites personnel, and collaborating professionals required
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills including the ability to write, interpret and explain research studies and procedures required
• Advanced ability to design, implement and manage projects that include planning, organization, prioritization, problem solving and performance of project tasks to ensure project completion within designated timeframes required
• Very strong attention to detail and ability to evaluate and ensure accuracy of data related to laboratory results, subject health history, and data collection and reporting required
• A leader in flexibility and dedication for handling a demanding, irregular schedule under pressure to meet deadlines required
• Strong knowledge of regulations associated with human subject research required
• Ability to work in an independent manner while providing mentorship to others required
• Ability to plan in advance and anticipate needs or issues required

Licenses and Certifications

• CCRC - Certified Clinical Research Coordinator preferred
• SOCRA - Certification In Clinical Research desired
• CCRP - Certified Clinical Research Professional desired

Tools and Technology

• Personal Computer (desk top, lap top, tablet) required
• General office equipment (computer, printer, fax, copy machine) required
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required
• Statistical Analysis Software required
• Laboratory softwares: FlowJo, Image J, SnapGene, Biorender required
• GraphPad Prism Software required
• Adope Photoshop and Illustartor Software required
• Basic coding in R and/or Python Software required

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