Senior Research Associate - Department of Pediatrics

A new developmental neurotoxicity research program in the Department of Pediatrics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) to plan and execute between 4-6 projects in collaboration with other laboratory members and faculty members from CWRU and other academic institutions.  As a collaborator, the SRA will develop molecular and cellular biological assays to measure dysfunction of lipid rafts.  These assays will include use of complex instrumentation including confocal microscopy, behavioral testing, lipidomics, proteomics and metabolomics related to lipid rafts in vitro and in vivo.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The responsibilities of this position include: 
1.    The senior research associate (SRA) will participate in the development of assays measuring the composition and function of lipid rafts including cell signaling, neurite outgrowth, nakanori staining, live cell imaging, and identification and isolation of lipid rafts.
2.    The SRA will translate methods into clinical applications and will work with clinicians to address technical questions. 
3.    He/she will collaborate with faculty members from the division of neonatology, the department of Pediatrics, CWRU and other academic institutions. 
4.    As an SRA, he/she will prepare manuscripts and contribute data for grant proposals.  
5.    He/she will participate in studies related to NIH grant (Project PI Bearer):  Determine lipidome, proteome and lipid oxidation species of lipid rafts from animals undergoing hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, hyperbilirubinemia, excipient/ethanol exposure and the effect of choline supplementation on these effects. Determine behavioral effects of these exposures on rat/mouse pups.
6.    He/she will participate in studies to prepare for NIH grant applications including R01 on impact of hyperbilirubinemia on lipid rafts; R01 on effect of excipients on lipid rafts, and R01 on mechanism of choline’s neuroprotection.
7.    He/she will oversee research activities of other members of the lab including research assistants and trainees in the laboratory, and propose research activities of interest to fellows. He/she will help troubleshoot problems with their experiments and be a constant resource for more junior members of the lab. He/she will partake in weekend duties including feeding of the animals, mating for appropriate gestation age of pups, and experiments requiring weekend activities.
8.    He/she will conduct their own research project within the area of interest of the lab and as agreed on with the PI in conjunction with the other essential functions.
9.    He/she will be expected to apply for his/her own funding on projects related to that of the PI, so that they become a research team.
10.    The PI is committed to his/her growth and success as a scientist with a successful track record of funding such that long term collaborations are feasible.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1.    Perform other duties as assigned. 

CONTACTS:  Department: PI (Cynthia Bearer) (regular), collaborators (moderate), Faculty, research staff, clinical staff, administrative staff
University: Other departments as needed
External: University Hospital physicians, Industrial Partner scientists, engineers, and management
Students: Undergraduate, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical research fellows

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This SRA will supervise research assistants, work study students, volunteers, graduate students, medical students, residents and fellows in conducting molecular biologic and biochemical assays, lipid raft research, confocal image acquisition and data analysis for a variety of projects using a variety of techniques. The SRA will oversee all aspects of the laboratory (Lab manager).

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: PhD with 10 years of experience in lipid raft analysis.
Education/Licensing: PhD. 

REQUIRED SKILLS
1.    Proficiency in Cell Culture: primary cells, stem cells
2.    Proficiency in Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA isolation, real-time PCR, QPCR, molecular cloning
3.    Proficiency in Immunoassay: ELISA, flow cytometry analysis, Western blot, Southern blot, dot blot, protein purification and hybridizations, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, fluorescent light and confocal microscopy
4.    Proficiency in Histology: Paraffin/Cryostat sectioning and staining,
5.    Proficiency in Microbiology: Aseptic Testing, plating, tubing, and membrane filtration, cell transfection
6.    Proficiency in isolation of lipid rafts using sucrose density gradients and ultracentrifugation: 
7.    Proficiency in Animal management: rats and mice husbandry/breeding, genotyping and managing specific colonies, gavages/IV/IP injection, perfusion, tissue collection and dissection, animal behavioral studies
8.    Proficiency in MS office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Adobe Photoshop, Image J
9.    Others: Write IACUC animal protocols, update lab protocols, assistance with the design and conduct of research projects, order supplies, supervise research assistants, medical students, master /PhD students and medical fellows
10.    Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.   
11.    Excellent customer service skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships and address the potential and current needs of customers.
12.    Effective management skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
13.    Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.  Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter. 
14.    Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making.  
15.    Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.  
16.    Willingness and ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
17.    Ability to operate laboratory equipment
18.    Must demonstrate eagerness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed.
19.    Must speak and write English proficiently

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work will be performed in a translational research program which includes office and laboratory environments.  Some of the work will occur on the weekends. Occasional travel to visit the industrial partners and for attending scientific conferences.

Please send all resumes to Cynthia Bearer at cfb3@case.edu.

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.  

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.