Research Assistant 1 (Part-Time)

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Job ID

12754

Location

Case Main Campus

Full / Part Time

Part-Time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

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Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research in medical and related technical areas in cardiac and musculoskeletal development and disease to better understand the extracellular matrix's role s in these areas.

This position will coordinate and implement technical procedural and experimental protocols including, but not limited to, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescent (IF) staining, immunoblot, murine genotyping via PCR, quantitative PCR, basic molecular biology including plasmid cloning, murine dissection, cell culture and microscopy analysis of tissues samples.

The research assistant will perform ex vivo assays using human and mouse cell lines and present data at laboratory meetings and co-authoring manuscripts.

The research assistant may also assist with the mouse colonies. This position will work with animals. This is a part-time position working 32 hours per week.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills. Work closely with the principal investigator in managing the mouse colony / mouse husbandry.

Assist in research assignments including, but not limited to cell culture, immunofluorescence, DNA and RNA isolation, transfections and immunoblots.

Studies in mice that include organ collection, processing, sectioning and staining. (40%)

• Collect data and conduct analysis of samples. This includes generating figure panels and statistical analysis and generation of graphs that summarize the experimental results. (20%)
• Maintain records of experiments. Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments by maintaining a laboratory notebook with pertinent details. (10%)
• Meet regularly with the principal investigator to discuss planning of experiments, recent results and developments that may require a change in the experimental plan, and to optimize and troubleshoot procedures to comply with expected outcomes. (10%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Work with other members of the team to maintain certain equipment (liquid nitrogen tanks, cleaning of tissue culture incubators, freezers, refrigerators, water baths, microscopes, and lab ware).

Maintain chemical / biological inventory in compliance with Environment Health and Safety. (10%)

Order laboratory supplies. Maintain inventory of routinely used items so as not to disrupt ongoing experiments. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

Department : Daily contact with principal investigator to discuss research, maintain workflow and normal laboratory communication.

University : Daily contact with Animal Resource Center, other lab personnel and university employees to discuss research and maintain workflow.

Occasional interaction with co-investigators in the department and other departments regarding on-going projects and lab activities.

External : Infrequent contact with vendors to exchange information. Infrequent contact with collaborating laboratories to exchange and discuss data.

Students : Daily contact with graduate and undergraduate students working in the laboratory to exchange information and answer questions related to research projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education / Experience : Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Considerable knowledge and understanding of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the field of basic research.
• Effective problem-solving skills, sound judgment and good decision-making.
• 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.
• Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Centers mission.

Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.

• Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as a microtome, gel electrophoresis and microscope and the willingness to teach others.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance and deadlines.
• Strong 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 environment.
• Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The employee will be exposed to animals and chemicals. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

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 Universitys 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 School of Medicine 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.

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.