Job Title: Research Assistant 2
Location: Case Main Campus
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 8911
Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will conduct studies of B cell responses directed at developing an improved COVID19 vaccine approach that can boost anti-COVID19 antibody and T cell responses. Studies will involve immunizations of with mRNA or plasmid encoding antigen or COVID19 peptide in lipid nanoparticles. Specialized agents will be added to the nanoparticles to heighten responses. Readouts will be antibody responses (ELISAs) and T cell responses (flow cytometry, ELISAs and ELISPOT assays). In addition to this project, the research assistant will conduct general experiments and will have her/his own project. Background in immunology and B or T cell experiments is preferable. The research assistant will work with other lab members and maintain the specialized knockout and transgenic mice uniquely developed in the lab. The mouse work will be supported by Core labs that do mouse genotyping, histopathology, confocal analyses antibody production and flow cytometry. Work will include tissue culture, cellular assays, molecular assays, flow cytometry among other approaches. Participate in lab meetings and teaching sessions on immunology. This position will work with mice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans. Conduct cell culture, basic molecular biology, Western blotting, flow cytometry, isolation of RNA for gene expression analyses and other molecular and cellular techniques as needed for project development. In vitro experiments involve working with mammalian cell lines, primary cells isolated from mouse tissues or bone marrow, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or cells. Goal is to provide data for publication. (60%)Assist staff in preparing protocols (IACUCs) for studies with mice. Help maintain mouse colonies. Understand the background and rational of the experiments that the lab is performing with mice. (15%)Maintain clear and comprehensive records of experiments. Collect and analyze data, manage data and protocols. Work with colleagues in collaborating laboratories for techniques as the research assignments require. May assist in developing improved techniques. Contribute collaboratively as a member of the research team. Help prepare safety protocols. Maintain liquid nitrogen tanks. (9%) Oversee inventory. Maintain records of chemical and biological reagents. Assist in general lab and equipment maintenance. Train new staff. (7%) Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Cell staining for flow cytometry and co-immunoprecipitations. (9%)Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. B and T cell isolations and activation assays. (9%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Present work at weekly lab meetings. (3%)Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)Read literature on projects. (3%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with principal investigator and senior lab members to discuss weekly plans and provide data and mouse inventory updates.

University: Moderate contact with collaborators within the institution learning new assays, obtaining samples or performing coordinate assays of samples.

External: Little contact with external constituents.

Students: Frequent contact with undergraduate students in the PIs undergraduate Biology program to assist in thesis project and provide experimental support. Train new students/personnel in the laboratory.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Train new staff. May direct the work of undergraduate or other students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education: 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 possess technical skills in cell culture, RNA extraction and PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometryKnowledge and understanding of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the field of basic molecular biology, microbiology and immunology research. Immune cell isolation and analytical techniques.Proficiency in computer techniques PowerPoint, Excel, Photoshop preferredExperience working with mice, proper handling and care of mice, general surgical techniques and the collection of blood and tissue samples preferred. Veterinary help will be available. Working knowledge and understanding of flow cytometry data acquisition and analyses and immune assays such as ELISA, preferred but not required; if this experience is not present initially, must be able to learn and master these approaches.Ability to analyze numerical data with standard computational approaches, including basic statistical approaches and to prepare graphs, tables and other analytic presentations of data.Effectively communicate and work with individuals from a broad spectrum of backgrounds within the department, school and university.Good/strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and follow-through. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able to (work in a fast-paced, changing environment) and have flexibility of time.Must have willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer programs as needed.Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.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. Previous experience working with animals preferred. Ability to meet consistent attendance.Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The employee will be exposed to infectious agents and chemicals. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment for BSL3 and ABSL3 environments such as gloves, coat, eyewear, scrubs, coveralls and respiratory protection when required. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a biology laboratory, working with mice in the laboratory and in the animal facility, working in BSL3 and ABSL3 environments. Working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment.

CWRU's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and are 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.

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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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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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Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. For more information go to: https://case.edu/equity/covid-19-accommodations. Applicants may contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 /equity@case.edu for information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an accommodation.

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