Senior Research Technologist NE - Azari Lab

Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.
The Azari Lab, led by Dr. Azari, a thoracic surgeon specializing in lung and esophageal cancer, studies the interactions between tumors, their surrounding microenvironment and circulating blood that contribute to thrombosis. Research projects include procoagulant platelets and complement in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer-associated fibroblasts and platelet production in human donor lungs. As a Senior Research Technologist, you will oversee daily laboratory operations, including laboratory space, equipment, personnel and project management. You will work with fresh human tissue and blood samples obtained during surgery, coordinate with the thoracic surgery operating room team, pathology and research coordinators, and collaborate directly with the principal investigator in a small, team-oriented environment.
As a Senior Research Technologist, you will generate laboratory data to evaluate blood-based markers that may help identify patients at risk for thrombosis or bleeding and inform preoperative and postoperative anticoagulation decisions. Through accurate and timely sample processing, you will support research with direct clinical applications. This position also offers valuable experience working with fresh human tissue and blood, along with exposure to image analysis and machine learning. You will have the opportunity to establish laboratory protocols, develop a sample biorepository and contribute to translational research focused on improving thrombosis prevention and cancer care.
A caregiver in this position works days from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
A caregiver who excels in this role will:
Supervise daily research laboratory operations, including laboratory space, equipment, personnel and project management.
Assist staff investigators with experimental design and planning and development of technical aspects of research projects.
Plan, organize, perform and monitor daily project protocols.
Collect, prepare and maintain required research documentation, including informed consent records, case records, clinical notes and medical reports.
Report and assist with the management of protocol deviations, adverse events and other project-related issues.
Assist with the preparation and delivery of internal and external presentations, conference reports, lectures and publication submissions.
Coordinate the collection of blood, tumor and adjacent lung samples from consented patients in the operating room and deliver them to the laboratory within protocol time limits.
Process fresh samples, including platelet and neutrophil isolation from whole blood, plasma and serum preparation, and tissue dissociation or slicing.
Perform flow cytometry, ELISA, coagulation and thrombin generation assays, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence according to written protocols.
Collect perfusate and tissue samples from declined donor lungs maintained on ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP).
Maintain the sample biorepository, specimen inventory and de-identified study database in compliance with the IRB protocol.
Record all experiments in the laboratory notebook and organize raw data for analysis.
Assist with image acquisition and preparation of image and data sets for computational analysis.
Prepare figures, summary data and draft methods for abstracts, manuscripts and grant applications.
Order supplies, maintain equipment and ensure the laboratory complies with institutional safety requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
High School Diploma and six years of experience in a research or related laboratory environment, which has developed the ability to work independently on a variety of research projects, demonstrated through a thorough understanding of research laboratory techniques and procedures
OR Associate's in laboratory science field and five years of experience in a research or related laboratory environment
OR Bachelor's degree and four years of experience in a research or related laboratory environment
OR Master's degree and three years of experience in a research or related laboratory environment
Proficient in innovative design and development techniques, with experience in budget management
Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
Master’s degree
Three or more years of experience in a research laboratory, preferably working with human samples
Experience isolating primary cells from human blood, such as platelets, neutrophils or peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Experience with flow cytometry, including panel setup and data analysis using FlowJo or equivalent software
Experience with ELISA, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence, and basic molecular techniques such as qPCR
Experience handling fresh human tissue and working under an IRB-approved protocol
Familiarity with image analysis software (QuPath or ImageJ/Fiji) or programming languages (R or Python)
Flexibility to collect samples during operating room hours, which may occasionally begin before 9:00 a.m. or extend past 5:00 p.m.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
Ability to distinguish color
Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens up to 20 pounds
May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
Pay Range
Minimum hourly: $22.85
Maximum hourly: $34.85
The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).