Research Assistant 1

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work with the goal of understanding how protein sequence alterations impact human disease or susceptibility to viral infection. The research assistant will apply principles relevant to the fields of biotechnology and methods development, molecular biology, molecular genetics, cell biology, and virology. The research assistant will perform lab and research-related duties and tasks, such as molecular cloning of recombinant DNA, mammalian tissue culture manipulations including cell engineering, and preparation of samples for Sanger sequencing or high-throughput sequencing.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills. Perform physical benchwork and biosafety cabinet cell culture work in a university research lab environment. Perform in-vitro laboratory activities for research assignments, including assay development and cell engineering. This involves both biosafety level 1 (BSL1) work with recombinant DNA and bacterial cultures, as well as human tissue culture work, frequently with lentiviral vectors, at BSL2. Apply new molecular and cellular biology research techniques, including flow cytometry, fluorescence activated cell sorting, quantitative PCR, western blotting, and library preparation for high-throughput sequencing. (50%)
  • Conduct analysis of samples, and capture results for individual experiments. Results from flow cytometry work will include collection of .FCS files. Results from microscopy experiments include image files saved in .TIFF format. Results from molecular biology experiments include recording of bacterial colony counts. Results from DNA sequencing experiments include collection of .ABI and .FASTQ files (20%)
  • Maintain records of experiments and record results for experiments. Results from BSL3 experiments will include images of plaque assays or TCID50 assays, and the resulting counts. Results from flow cytometry work will include collection of .FCS files. Results from microscopy experiments include image files saved in .TIFF format. Results from molecular biology experiments include recording of bacterial colony counts. Results from DNA sequencing experiments include collection of .ABI and .FASTQ files (15%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Maintain equipment utilized in experiments, including coordinating the calibration of pipettes, replacement of empty CO2 or LN2 tanks, and assisting in the autoclaving and disposal of lab ware and biohazardous waste. (5%)
  • Assist in maintaining lab inventories for chemicals, biological reagents, and biological material stored in freezers. Assist with lab orders and sample shipment. (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Frequent contact to discuss the work periodically with the principal investigator and present the work to the entire research group during weekly lab meetings. Also discuss the work periodically with more senior research assistants in the lab that can help coordinate and provide guidance on work. Moderate contact with the principal investigator to review progress of research projects. Frequent contact with other members of the research lab, especially the existing lab manager.

    University: Occasional contact with collaborating groups at the University for transferring research materials and working on joint projects. Occasional contact with administrative departments, such as Environmental Health & Safety.

    External: Occasional contact with vendors for ordering. Contact with external collaborating groups for transferring research materials and reagents.

    Students: Daily contact for training graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory, as needed.

     

    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 

  • Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or related field.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    The employee will work in both Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) facility and a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions. The position will require handling of potentially infectious materials, general laboratory chemicals (some of which are hazardous), blood-borne pathogens, repetitive motion (pipetting), and occasional DOT shipping or receiving of biological or infectious material. Personal protective equipment required for the job include laboratory coat, eye protection, and latex or nitrile gloves. This position may provide opportunities for travel to national conferences. The employee will need to lift up to 24 lbs, on occasion.

     

    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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