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Research Assistant 3

Employer
Case Western Reserve University
Location
Case Main Campus

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Administrative Jobs
Academic Affairs, Research Staff & Technicians
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Job Title: Research Assistant 3
Location: Case Main Campus
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 8550
Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research activities and carry out complex research projects focusing on discovering and characterizing novel interactions between HIV and host cell proteins that modulate infection process. The research project will investigate molecular mechanisms that cells employ to sense and inhibit viral infection and HIV proteins that antagonize cellular defenses, using virologic, biochemical and molecular genetic approaches. This position will work closely with the principal investigator to carry out the most complex assignments and coordinate research activities and experiments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    Working closely with the principal investigator, carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature aimed to identify and characterize functional interactions between HIV and cellular proteins. (35%)Coordinate research activities; design, construct and produce retro- and lentiviral vectors using innovative cloning techniques for their use in complex molecular/biochemical experiments aimed to identify and characterize novel interactions between viral and cellular proteins, and for gene transfer into a broad range of indicator cell lines. Experiments will be performed in both established and primary human cells under BL2 and BL2+ containment conditions. (35%).Devise new protocols and techniques and utilize newly developed research techniques, as appropriate. Evaluate adequacy of techniques and protocols for non-routine biochemical experiments including, but not limited to, those designed to purify complexes between viral and cellular proteins for their subsequent proteomic analyses. Perform downstream characterization of high priority proteomic hits and other relevant targets using appropriate biochemical methods. May co-author research projects. May supervise students and technicians. (15%)Maintain accurate and thorough records of the obtained research data. May monitor the laboratory budget. (10%).

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned (5%).

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the principal investigator, research associates and students within the research group to coordinate and in the course of conducting research activities.

University: Occasional contact with principal investigators or laboratory personnel in other research groups or core facilities to exchange expertise or information.

External: Occasional contact with sales representatives for product inquiries or to arrange services.

Students: Regular contact with students in the laboratory to direct the work and/or make adjustments to procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of research laboratory experience.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, virology or related discipline required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

    Practical knowledge and understanding of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the biochemistry, molecular-genetics and/or virology fields. Must possess the following basic technical skills: sterile technique; reagent and media preparation, cell culture, DNA transfection, preparation of plasmid DNA, molecular cloning, immunoprecipitation, western blotting, PCR, biochemical purification techniques and/or production of retroviral/lentiviral vectors.Must be highly motivated, conscientious and willing to learn.Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and follow-through. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Ability to problem-solve effectively and assist in the development and implementation of alternative solutions as needed. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.Must be compliant with applicable regulatory guidelines.Ability to operate complex laboratory equipment including, flow cytometer and QPCR.Familiarity with standard laboratory safety policies and procedures.Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Must demonstrate willingness and ability to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer programs as needed.Ability to meet consistent attendance. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee will be working in a laboratory in the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology. Experiments using retroviral vectors and viruses will be carried out under BSL2/BSL2+ conditions. There are no unusual hazards; possible exposure to the usual hazards in the form of general chemicals, infectious agents, bloodborne pathogens, paraformaldehyde, phenol, chloroform, methanol, ethidium bromide, ultraviolet light, sonication and potentially, to radioisotopes. Required personal protective equipment includes a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. The employee will need to be able to lift up to 25 lbs, bend/stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull and reach above shoulders. The employee will use repetitive motion, including the use of a keyboard and computer mouse while performing job duties.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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Organization

Working at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case Western Reserve is distinguished by its strengths in educationresearch, service and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland's University Circle, we offer nationally recognized programs in the arts and sciencesdental medicineengineeringlawmanagementmedicinenursing and social sciences.

Student enrollment exceeds 9,800 students, forty percent of whom are undergraduatesFacultyand students hail from more than 90 countries, with academic interests that reach every region of the world. Case Western Reserve, with the support of individuals, corporations and foundations, aids nearly 100 designated research centers.

As a service-oriented institution dedicated to civic leadership, Case Western Reserve seeks individually and collectively to prepare our students to improve the human condition and to direct the benefits of discovery toward a better society. This effort is not limited to the university's classrooms, laboratories, librariesresidence halls and athletic fields, but includes partnerships with many other institutions. We build these partnerships believing that our ability to improve the human condition should begin in our own community.

Case Western Reserve University remains Ohio's top-ranked school among the nation's premier national universities, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report and is the only Ohio institution ranked in the top 50 nationally. We promote a culture of inquiry marked by rigor, creativity, curiosity, innovation, respect, sensitivity and open communication of ideas.

The university supports interdisciplinary partnerships in education and research with numerous faculty holding joint appointments in more than one Case Western Reserve school or department, as well as at neighboring institutions. These relationships launched many of the unique pairings of science, business and liberal arts into the centers and programs that enhance the undergraduate and graduate experience at the university. Our dual degree programs enrich the educational experience for those students who choose to balance the technical requirements of engineering or the sciences with a strong interest in the humanities.

With more than $375 million in research funding annually, the university attracts outstanding undergraduate and graduate students along with renowned faculty whose research has made significant contributions to the way we live and work. Case Western Reserve counts 15 Nobel laureates among our alumni and current and former faculty, including the first American scientist to ever receive the prize.

Our students' experiences in cultural institutions, clinics, social service agencies and industry are not viewed as “extra-curricular,” but create the learning experience that defines a Case Western Reserve education. The university's service programs in the Cleveland Municipal School District have impacted more than 145,000 students with more than 43 signature programs. The university has launched more than 580 community partnerships on the local, national and international levels. Annually the university sponsors Case for Community Day, an event where hundreds of Case Western Reserve employees and students lend their time and talent to targeted community development projects in the Greater Cleveland area.

Our alumni number more than 110,000 and constitute a “who's who” of every profession. Alumni represent one of the university's strongest resources, playing a vital role in campus life through their work as advisors, mentors, friends and advocates.

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