Research Assistant 3

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 8 days ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

Position Objective

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research activities on projects related to cardiac contractile function. The research assistant will work closely with other lab members and focus on research involving focus on research involving characterization of in vivo cardiac function utilizing ultrasound echocardiography. The research assistant will 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 utilize various molecular and in vivo methods to bridge the gap of understanding between molecular observations and cardiac function. This position will work with animals.

 

Essential Functions

  • Work closely with the principal investigator to coordinate research activities that characterize the roles of myofilament contractile proteins in the regulation of cardiac function using ultrasound. Tasks include but are not limited to, evaluating the efficacy of small molecules and gene therapy by systemic delivery in reversing systolic and diastolic dysfunction in genetic and acquired heart failure models. (40%)
  • Collect, quantify and analyze data from general molecular biology experiments, including expression levels of cardiac proteins by various gel electrophoresis techniques, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. (20%)
  • Carry out general molecular biology, including design and implement cloning strategies, PCR, mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, gel purification, plasmid preparation, bacterial transformation, protein biochemistry, bacterial culture, western blotting, and expression and purification of recombinant proteins. (10%)
  • Carry out complex research assignments to characterize expression and localization of contractile proteins in the heart using ex vivo and in vivo fluorescent imaging techniques. Devise new protocols for in vivo gene delivery and techniques to achieve high exogenous protein expression in the heat of mice using a high degree of skill and training. (10%)
  • Evaluate adequacy of biochemical techniques, study and test new procedures, analyze data, maintain lab records, provide feedback on experimental design, prepare and present research results in lab meetings. (10%)
  • Assist in manuscript preparation and editing. May co-author research projects. (6%)

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    NonEssential Functions

  • May supervise students and technicians. (2%)
  • Maintain equipment, prepare buffer/media/reagents, and dispose biohazardous waste. Oversee inventory, standard operating procedures, and monitor laboratory budget. (1%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

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    CONTACTS

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

    University: Occasional interaction with other faculty in the department and 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 communication with research collaborators from other institutions.

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

     

    Supervisory Responsibility

    May supervise students and technicians.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required. Experience working with mouse models of heart failure, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and virology preferred.

    Education: Bachelor’s degree in physiology, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related scientific field required.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in chemistry, physics, biochemistry and molecular/cellular biology and in vivo cardiovascular function.
  • Able to use custom software and computational tools to analyze indices of cardiac function.
  • Able to perform various molecular biology techniques.
  • Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.
  • 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 Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
  • Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail.
  • Ability to multi-task, 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.

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    Working Conditions

    Laboratory environment 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, 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. May have exposure to hazards. 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.  

    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.

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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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