Research Assistant 2 / Job #8965

Position Objective

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research projects in accordance with general plans in the translational colorectal cancer genetics laboratory. Research studies include genomic alterations in patients with colorectal cancer, with a primary focus on developing new targets to treat patients with this disease. The research assistant will work closely with the principal investigator and other post-doctoral research fellows. This position will work with animals.

Essential Functions

1. Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans, manage experimental tasks, resolve questions and correct scientific errors. These include experiments such as cell growth in cancer cell lines; generating, maintaining, and characterizing primary patient-derived organoid cell cultures (training to be provided); DNA/RNA extraction and advanced techniques such as qPCR; immunoblotting; maintain laboratory reagents including buffers and media. Careful documentation and accountability is required. (50%)
2. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Perform in vivo murine techniques, including administration of drug to animals, implantation of xenograft tumor cells, and measurement of weight and tumor size in experimental mice. (20%)
3. Collect and analyze data, prepare tables and spreadsheets of experimental data for the purposes of reporting, perform analysis of data such as cell growth curves and ELISA-based experiments. (5%)
4. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures, such as the development of new techniques involving patient-derived organoid cultures. (5%)
5. Oversee inventory. Maintain certain equipment facilities, such as the cell culture incubators and flow hoods. (8%)

NonEssential Functions

1. Train new staff; direct the work of students. (5%)
2. Independently write progress reports to present to principal investigator. Be present and participate in weekly laboratory meetings. (5%)
3. Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with principal investigator to discuss research plan, methods, and results. Daily contact with members of parent laboratory including post-doctoral research fellows and research assistants to share common laboratory resources. Moderate contact with parent lab principal investigator for laboratory meetings and discuss collaborative research plans and updates.

University: Contact with the staff in the animal resource center to maintain proper animal husbandry/address issues. Contact with staff in various Core facilities to ensure proper delivery of samples and reagents.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information regarding purchased reagents and supplies. Limited contact with collaborators and research staff at University Hospitals or Cleveland Clinic Foundation as part of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center for delivery/receipt of experimental samples.

Students: Contact with students to assist in understanding laboratory standard operating procedures.

Supervisory Responsibility

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

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 

1. Experience with sterile technique and cell culture.
2. Experience with mouse handling and administration of drug.
3. Experience with molecular biology techniques including PCR and Western blotting.
4. Experience mixing experimental reagents and calculating and performing serial dilutions.
5. Ability to work collaboratively in studies requiring coordination between multiple investigators.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

Working Conditions

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards including blood-borne pathogens, chemicals, and radiation. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, coat, and eyewear. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a molecular genetics/ biology laboratory, working with mice and other animal models in the laboratory and in the animal facility, and when needed working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment.

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.

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.