Research Assistant 1

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in NIH sponsored HIV-related cancer areas involving the use of lab/research skills with a mainly immunology, molecular biology, and tissue culture focus. The research assistant will grow 3-dimentional models of cell culture and perform molecular biology, cell signaling and immunological assays.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills, including staining cultured cells and biopsy samples, exosome extraction, RT-PCR, flow cytometry and imaging (20%).
  • Conduct analysis of samples. Generate, maintain, and analyze tissue culture cell lines for experimental purposes, perform immunohistochemistry and analyze samples and isolation of RNA for gene expression (20%) 
  • Record results of a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Collect and record cellular, molecular, and immunological experimental data. Organize raw data, update lab-related data folders and provide data to laboratory members (10%).
  • Maintain records of experiments. Maintain clear and organized notebooks documenting procedures used and cell growth as well as exosome data generated. Maintain accurate records in the database system of all de-identified patient samples involved in the research (10%).
  • Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Configure and operate laboratory instruments (ZetaView, PCR thermalcycler, centrifuges and microscopes) and ensure instruments kept in working order. Perform routine lab maintenance including cleaning equipment and lab ware; dispose of biohazardous waste; autoclave glassware (10%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

  • Order laboratory supplies. Order reagents and other laboratory supplies. Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with EHS (5%).
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

    University: Occasional Contact with other departments to share information.

    External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information

    Students: Moderate contact with student employees to explain policies and procedures.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

    This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

     

    QUALIFICAITONS

    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

  • List Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Strong molecular biology and immunology skills (PCR, Western blots, RNA isolation, flow cytometry).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SPSS Statistics, R program and Eclipse is preferred.
  • Strong organization skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow-through on assigned projects.
  • Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the University.
  • Must have the ability to willingly learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter).
  • 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

    General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards up to and including to blood-borne pathogens and chemicals. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, coat, and eyewear. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a cellular and molecular biology laboratory. Research activities do not involve working with animals nor low-level radiation (Xray, radionuclides).

    This is a Term position. They are treated like regular staff positions for medical and dental benefits eligibility, vacation, holidays, and sick time.  Term employees are not eligible for life insurance, retirement, long term disability, short term disability, tuition assistance, layoff status, or severance pay.  Staff in term positions are also subject to the performance management review process and positive corrective action when work performance or behavior is unsatisfactory or unacceptable.  Term employment does not alter the employment-at-will employee status of these employees.

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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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