Job Title: Research Assistant 2
Location: Case Main Campus
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 8751
Job Description Position Objective

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research projects in accordance with general research guidelines. The responsibilities include planning and performing experiments on projects related to cardiac contractile function. The research assistant will work closely with other lab members and focus on research involving molecular biology of cardiac muscle contraction. The research assistant will be expected to perform a wide array of cellular and molecular biology experiments using gel electrophoresis, western blots, bacterial transformation and culture, and other in vitro techniques. This position will use various molecular and computational methods to bridge the gap of understanding between structure and experimental observations in cardiac muscle physiology.

Essential Functions

Plan and carry out research projects that characterize the roles of myofilament contractile proteins in the regulation of cardiac muscle contraction. Prepare and present research results in lab meetings. (15%) Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Collect, quantify and analyze data from general molecular biology experiments, including design and implement cloning strategies, PCR analysis, mutagenesis, expression levels of cardiac proteins by various gel electrophoresis techniques and western blotting; gel purification, plasmid preparation, bacterial transformation and bacterial culture in order to express highly purified recombinant proteins for biophysical experiments. (70%)May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures related to immunostaining of whole heart sections, isolated muscle fibers and myofibrils. Train new staff; direct the work of students. (10%) Oversee inventory and standard operating procedures. Maintain lab records. Maintain equipment, prepare buffer/media/reagents and dispose biohazardous waste. (5%)

NonEssential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Weekly contact with investigators and faculty to discuss research, research education, direction, goals and time management. Frequent contact with laboratory employees for collaboration in common research projects.

University: Occasional contact with other faculty in the university to provide updates on common collaborative research projects. Utilize core university facilities for experimentation and maintain strong relationship with core mangers for research collaborations.

External: Occasional contact with research collaborators from other institutions to exchange research information.

Students: Occasional contact with students to assist students with their research projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

No direct supervisory responsibilities. Train new staff and direct the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology or related scientific field and 1 to 3 years of related research experience or Associate’s degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required. Experience with molecular biology techniques such as cell culture and protein purifications preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in chemistry, physics, biochemistry and molecular/cellular biology and in vivo cardiovascular function. Experience with computer programming and molecular dynamic simulation preferred.Able to perform various molecular biology techniques. Prior experience with cell culture and protein expression/purification. Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail.Ability to multitask, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.Ability to effectively operate basic molecular and cellular biology laboratory equipment 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.Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively within a team.Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc. Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.Ability to meet consistent attendance.

Working Conditions

Working conditions will require working on a muscle mechanics setup, working on a bench with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, working with animal models/and bacterial cells in the laboratory, working in front of a computer for several hours, working outside standard working days or hours as required. The employee will work with frequent interruptions and distractions. There may be exposure to research specific chemicals and the employee will need to take Chemical Safety Training. Required personal protective equipment may include a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. May have exposure to hazards.

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.

.

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.

.