Senior Research Associate– Benign Urologic Research

The Rodriguez Laboratory is recruiting a senior scientist to fill a Senior Research Associate to focus on benign urologic/bladder research.  Dr. Rodriguez has developed patented techniques and innovative surgical strategies to provide treatment in areas such as stress incontinence and reconstruction of the bladder and lower urinary tract. The focus of the laboratory involves animal models of benign urologic disease which affect women including urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, overactive bladder, and bladder pain. In particular, she is interested in the role of stress in the maintenance and development of lower urinary tract symptoms and on cell-based therapies for treatment.  She is interested on the effects of stress at the level of the bladder, the spinal cord and the brain that may modulate bladder sensation and micturition. Currently the laboratory is evaluating how stress, via effects on mitochondrial function, may affect urinary function.

The successful candidate should have a PhD, have made significant contribution sot the scientific literature and demonstrated the ability to independently design and implement research projects and programs.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Plan, conduct and report on original and collaborative research

• Supervise the overall research operations of the laboratory Train and mentor PhD students, postdocs, clinical fellows and other laboratory staff.

Participate in ordering, maintenance of lab equipment and other lab organization as needed.

Required qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to think critically and troubleshoot experiments. Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and work under minimal supervision.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Enthusiasm for doing science and an ability to pick up new techniques quickly. At least 2 years of experience working with mammalian cell lines and molecular biology Knowledge of and experience performing basic molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, nucleic acid isolation, PCR, and protein expression analyses.

• Experience in electrophysiology/neuroscience a plus but not required