Job Title: Research Assistant 2
Location: Case Main Campus
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 8747
Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the research assistant 2 will perform research work in immunology, cell biology and molecular biology-based projects to support research studies in the Division of Infectious Diseases. The focus of the research study is to explore host-pathogen interaction and the regulation of various inflammatory disorders. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plan and carry out research project exploring host-pathogen interaction and the regulation of various inflammatory disorders in accordance with general plans. This requires the ability to work well as a member of a team. (10%)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, transfections, generation of retroviral and lentiviral vectors as well as transduction of mammalian cells using these vectors, gene silencing, immunoblots and immunoprecipitation. Studies in animals that include intravenous, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injections, organ collection and assist in the induction of diabetes in mice. (40%)Collect and analyze data. This includes statistical analysis and generation of graphs that summarize the experimental results. (15%)Maintain laboratory records by keeping clear and organized notebooks, documenting procedures used and data generated. Maintain safety manuals, and protocols. (6%)Assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures such as flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, immunoblot. (6%) Manage certain equipment facilities including liquid nitrogen tanks, cleaning of tissue culture incubators, freezers, refrigerators, water baths, microscopes and lab ware. Dispose of biohazardous waste. (6%)Oversee inventory: order and procure reagents, other laboratory supplies and mice. Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety office. (6%)Train new staff; direct the work of undergraduate and graduate students. (7%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor and laboratory personnel to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Daily contact with Animal Resource Center, other lab personnel and university employees to share information.

External: Limited contact with laboratory supply vendors to exchange information.

Students: Daily contact with graduate and undergraduate students working in the laboratory to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Instruct new laboratory personnel and graduate students on appropriate laboratory practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and experience: bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Expertise in tissue culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, immunoblot, handling of mice and collection of mouse organs and blood. Ability to rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individualsStrong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management, and follow-through as well as a good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environmentAbility to organize, maintain and prepare accurate records.Effective problem-solving skills; sound judgment and good decision-making.Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter).Ability to operate laboratory equipment.Ability to meet consistent attendance.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 guidelines.Must demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentialityProficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and FlowJo is a plus.Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment: The lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for animal handling and manipulations. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with two fume hoods for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials as well as several freezers. The cell culture room is equipped with 3 incubators, 2 culture hoods, and microscopes. Access to a multi-color Flow Cytometer, ELISA reader and real time PCR machine in a neighboring labs. The employee 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, maintaining the animal colonies, as well as weekly changes of mouse/rat cages. The individual will be exposed and use to routine laboratory chemicals and solvents, and paraformaldehyde for tissue processing. This position requires handling of animal and tissues from animals and humans following Biosafety Level II practices.

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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