Job Title: Research Assistant 2
Location: Case Main Campus
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 8688
Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the research assistant will plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Experiments range from in vitro cell culture to in vivo animal models, supporting laboratory members and laboratory maintenance. In addition, this position will assist in quality control and quality assurance responsibilities of the laboratory setting. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plan and carry out carry out in vitro and in vivo animal experiments for various research projects. This includes: conducting cell culture of established and primary cell lines, cell proliferation, clonogenic survival, DNA/RNA extraction, immunoblot, PCR under direction, maintaining laboratory reagents including buffers and medias, and measure weight and tumor size in control and experimental mice. (20%)Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Studies include but are not limited to culture of cell lines, isolation and propagation of primary cells, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, gene silencing, immunoblots and immunoprecipitation. (20%)Collect and analyze data, prepare graphs, charts and slides from experimental data for purposes of reporting. Perform analysis which may include specific target quantitation using ELISA-based methods. Maintain a database tracking biospecimens. Maintain records using electronic database and process the tissues as necessary. Analyze the cage measurements and reports (20%)Assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures in selection of cell lines, authentication, and metabolic aspects to entail optimization of established protocols. (15%)Oversee inventory. Order reagents and other laboratory supplies. Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with EHS. Oversee inventory of supplies necessary for daily laboratory work. Prepare solutions, set up reactions. Maintain laboratory equipment. (10%)Train new staff regarding standard laboratory policies as well as basic biochemistry research techniques. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor and lab members to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information and collaborate on projects.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Occasional contact with student employees to explain policies and procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; directs the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree and 1 to 3 years of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.Previous experience working with animals preferred.Must demonstrate compliance with university animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelinesPrevious molecular biology skills preferred (PCR, Western blots, gene silencing).Strong organization skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow-through on assigned projects.Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the university.Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter).Ability to meet consistent attendance. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Experience using FlowJo is a plus.Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data as needed using established protocol or laboratory procedures

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment: The lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for general laboratory experiments. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with one shared fume hood for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. A common equipment room located adjacent to the lab are equipped with animal euthanization station. The cell culture room nearby is equipped with incubators, culture hood, and microscope. Access to a multi-color Flow Cytometer belonging in a core lab. The candidate should expect frequent interactions with lab members from that lab and must be willing to collaborate. Major physical demands include transferring animals between the lab and the animal holding facility and maintaining the animal colonies.

Case Western Reserve University's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service “Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to SOM Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

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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