Research Assistant 1

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will work with other staff members in the Tissue Resources Core (TRC) to perform primarily tissue acquisition and data entry for human tissue procurement services. Discarded human tissue from surgery is systematically acquired and distributed to medical researchers located on the CWRU/UHCMC campus and other academic and commercial institutions throughout the United States. Investigators are highly dependent on this tissue service to obtain samples for biomedical research. The person in this position will participate in the procurement, preparation, and distribution of requested tissue samples to both internal and external researchers. This position will enter patient and biospecimen information into a variety of databases used by the TRC with high accuracy and obtain and de-identify corresponding pathology reports for dissemination with samples.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills. Conduct analysis of tissue samples. Work directly with TRC and UH surgical pathology staff to obtain discarded human tissue for distribution to researchers. Collect tissues from the frozen section room, cutting room, and autopsy suite at UHCMC. Activities include delivering specimen carriers to operating rooms and promptly retrieving the carriers when paged or called and transporting the specimens to the Surgical Pathology department for examination. (50%)
  • Record results, keeping detailed and highly accurate records in the laboratory. Assist with producing accurate and complete donor and biospecimen records; these records are printed by hand onto authorization forms, and entered into various secure databases.  This position will assist with inputting information daily into a bioscpecimen management software program (LabMatrix). Assist in the printing and de-identifying of surgical pathology and autopsy reports in a timely manner. (15%)
  • Maintain records of experiments. Maintenance of strict patient confidentiality is a critical aspect of the job for all individuals working in the TRC. (Training on Human Subjects Research and the handling of patient-related information is provided and required to comply with IRB and HIPAA regulations). Organize, label, and file Quality Control (QC) H&E slides for collected research samples and paraffin block inventory. Organize, label, and keep detailed records of tissue blocks and frozen tissues stored in liquid nitrogen freezers. Identify researchers who are requesting a particular type of tissue, assign tissues on a rotating basis within a defined prioritization scheme, contact laboratories to confirm that a researcher can accept a sample, and assist in sample packaging and distribution. (10%)
  • Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Perform routine lab maintenance, including cleaning equipment and lab ware; dispose of biohazardous waste. (10%)
  • Order laboratory supplies. Maintain stock reagents, supplies, and inventory used in the facility for tissue procurement, histology, and immunohistochemistry assays as needed for certain experiments. (10%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assist in the distribution of annual questionnaires, periodic surveys, and flyers. Also, help in mass mailings conducted for marketing purposes. (2.5%)
  • Responsible for covering tissue procurement and other lab activities while other employees are taking vacation or off sick. (2.5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Frequent contact is made with the manager of operations and other TRC personnel, surgical pathologists, medical residents, morticians, and histology personnel associated with the Pathology department. Regular contact is also made with operating room control desk nurses to obtain information and procure tissue samples.

    University: Regular contact is made with individual laboratories to alert them of potential sample acquisition, to arrange for sample delivery, and to discuss changes in protocols. 

    External: Occasional contact with outside tissue networks and researchers is needed to arrange for shipping of tissues and to obtain current information for records

    Students: Occasional contact is made with students working on tissue-based research and who are authorized to collect samples on behalf of the primary investigator to obtain information and request tissue samples.  

     

    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 is required.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Knowledge and understanding of general anatomy and physiology.
  • Familiar with medical terminology.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and other database applications.
  • Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good organization skills; ability to multi-task, and work in a busy laboratory environment.
  • Good interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals within the university and hospital.
  • Previous experience working in a laboratory environment.
  • Must comply with the policies and precautions of both the university and hospital.
  • Ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively within a team.
  • Effective problem-solving skills.
  • Must demonstrate willingness to learn new computer programs and laboratory techniques.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as Microtome and cryostat, Tissue Processor, Tissue Embedding, Workstation, Histochemical autostainer, Immunohistochemical autostainer, In situ hybridization oven, and BX41 Olympus microscope.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    General laboratory environment with direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens, human and animal tissues, formaldehyde and other potentially hazardous chemicals.

    Read and understand CWRU’s Laboratory Safety Manual and laboratory specific Chemical Hygiene Plan and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan; complete training online or attend annual safety training sessions. Work in the lab involves handling of human tissues potentially containing pathogens such as Hepatitis, HIV, and tuberculosis. Preparation, preservation, and storage of tissues also involves use of liquid nitrogen, formaldehyde, and other chemicals; maintain strict adherence to universal precautions, work area decontamination procedures, specific chemical safety policies, and housekeeping is required.

    Protected Health Information (PHI) is obtained when reviewing surgical schedules, performing the collection of tissues, and accessing surgical pathology reports. Patient records are highly confidential and release of any patient information requires special Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals.

    Maintenance of strict patient confidentiality is a critical aspect of the job for all individuals working in the TRC. Training on Human Subjects Research and the handling of patient-related information is provided and required to comply with IRB and HIPAA regulations.

    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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