Job Title: Research Assistant 3
Location: Case Main Campus
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 8842
Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will support a research program on the response of peripheral neurons to injury and the role of the immune system in these responses. This position will have four primary roles: to carry out experimental research under the general guidance of the principal investigator, instruct new members of the research group in the laboratory’s primary techniques, supervise the research of an undergraduate student, and to serve as the manager and coordinator of the laboratory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Carry out complex research on nerve degeneration and regeneration after injury, independently under the general supervision of the laboratory head and sometimes in collaboration with other laboratory personnel. This will include mouse surgery to expose and lesion peripheral nerves and subsequently to remove affected tissues. (35%)Serve as laboratory manager and coordinator: take care of ordering supplies and animals and monitoring their arrival. Maintain equipment. Devise new protocols for the IACUC, IBC, and the Environmental Health and Safety office, and evaluate adequacy of these techniques. Monitor monthly laboratory expenses in terms of the laboratory budget, maintain inventories (e.g., genetic mouse lines in the ARC, antibodies, and contents of -80^o freezer, respond to alerts from the Animal Resource Center, and supervise waste disposal. (35%)Train and supervise the work of an undergraduate student who will aid in the carrying out of the research on nerve degeneration and regeneration after injury. (10%)Shepherd new members of the laboratory through the regulatory requirements re: laboratory safety and animal use and provide training in the basic techniques utilized in the laboratory. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Coordinate the activity of the laboratory with other personnel in the Department of Neurosciences and in the School of Medicine. (5%)Participate with others in the laboratory in making data figures and editing of grant proposals and manuscripts. May co-author research projects. (3%)Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

This person will be in frequent contact with others in our laboratory, which includes the PI, students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and possibly another research assistant.

Department: The person will also be in regular contact with members of the Department office staff. Less frequently, they will be in contact with individuals in other laboratories in the Department who are engaged in related research or use shared equipment.

University: The individual will be in frequent contact with key service sectors including but not limited to the Animal Resource Center, Environmental Health and Safety, and procurement.

External: The person will be in moderate contact with sales representatives from a variety of companies from whom we order supplies, equipment, or animals.

They will be in occasional contact with individuals in laboratories outside of the University to consult on laboratory techniques and to arrange for the shipment of special animals or reagents.

Students: The person will be in continuous contact with students in the laboratory including graduate students, medical students, undergraduates, and occasionally high school students.

Given these duties, it is essential that the individual have excellent people skills, be an excellent communicator, and have excellent time management skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

There are no direct supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience working in a biomedical sciences laboratory required.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Neurosciences, Biology, or Biochemistry required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Knowledge and understanding of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in the fields of Neurosciences and Molecular and Cellular Biology.Ability to perform small animal surgery and dissociated cell culture, cryostat sectioning of tissue, immunohistochemistry, and confocal and fluorescence microscopy.Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills, including editing manuscripts and grant proposals.Experience with writing protocols and subsequent amendments for IACUC and IBC.Previous experience working with animals preferred.Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve 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.
1. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
Ability to serve as lab Chemical Safety Officer and maintain protocols with Environmental Health and Safety.Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work and communicate with various individuals from a broad spectrum of technical and educational backgrounds within the department, the School of Medicine, and the university. Ability to effectively teach laboratory techniques to entering students at all levels. This is an extremely important skill for this position.Strong organizational skills, ability to keep detailed and accurate laboratory notes, ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow through. These abilities are key as the individual will be doing both independent research and collaborating with others in the laboratory and maintaining supplies and equipment for all in the laboratory. Adhering to grant deadlines is essential.Effective management skills: ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from laboratory members. A well-functioning laboratory depends on maintaining good relations with all members of the laboratory.Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. Effective problem-solving skills: must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making.Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to occasionally work under pressure.Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, laboratory statistical programs, and internet navigation.Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer programs as needed.Must be able to work both independently and with others.Ability to maintain familiarity and demonstrate knowledge of project priorities.Ability to maintain consistent attendance.Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The job involves working under standard laboratory conditions, which occasionally means working under somewhat hazardous conditions, e.g., with strong acids or bases, with electrophoresis equipment, with solvents. May be required to use personal protective equipment, including standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. Occasionally overtime may be necessary for example around grant deadlines or because of limited availability of heavily used departmental equipment.

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 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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