Summary

The Carotenoids and Nutrition Lab in the Children’s Nutrition Research Center focuses on how carotenoids, a class of colorful compounds in fruits and vegetables, are absorbed and metabolized, promote health, and may be utilized as biomarkers of dietary intake. 

Lab members are encouraged to engage in opportunities to advance their professional skills and scientific expertise. The ideal candidate works effectively on a team and has a zest for organization and accomplishing goals.

Job tasks include recruiting, corresponding and meeting with, and collecting data and specimens from human research volunteers, while contributing to a well-functioning translational nutrition research lab under established procedures to assure personal and lab safety. 

Coordinates day to day activities of research protocols which include screening, enrollment, and monitoring of research participants. Ensures accurate data collection, documentation, organization and safety of research participants.

Job Duties

• Recruit, schedule, and meet with human research volunteers.
• Correspond with research volunteers about study activities and throughout the study.
• Collects research volunteer information; processes documents and enters information into a database. 
• Conduct literature searches and summarize information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• May perform Venipuncture (blood draws), and obtain vital signs on study participants.
• May collect, process, ship, and maintain paperwork for blood and/or biological specimens according to procedures outlined in study protocol.
• Employees may be required to receive on the job training of phlebotomy prior to performing on study participants.
• Schedules research participant for tests and procedures such as laboratory tests and other studies specific for the research protocol.
• Retrieves and submits test results to appropriate party.
• Order supplies and manage inventory. 
• Assign activities to less experienced research staff.
• Participate in the scholarship of the laboratory.
• Assist in manuscript and grant preparation as needed.
• Maintains records and regulatory documents and records for research studies.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in nutritional sciences or a health-related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English.
• Experience/training in processing biospecimens and/or basic lab techniques.
• Prior research experience.
• Pediatrics experience.