Research Assistant 2

Case Western Reserve University, United States

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

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. This is a key position within the lab and will be responsible for the planning and execution of experiments in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator. The lab works closely together with other Principle Investigators in Pathology and school of medicine including collaborations with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, physicists and clinicians. This position will work with animals. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans as set by the principal investigator. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project focused of the current position is inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, and inflammation-induced cancer with the goal to discover novel molecular mechanisms that could be targeted to develop new therapeutic approaches. (45%)
  • May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures involving Cytokine and TLR signaling induced activation of NF-kB transcription family pathway as well as regulation of cellular functions by other MAPK signaling pathways are key areas of attention. The work will involve experimental techniques ranging from basic molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry to cell culture, animal studies, patient samples and 3D organoid systems. (20%).
  • Conduct analysis of data, ensure rigor and reproducibility, record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments, present data in one-on-one meeting with the principal investigator and lab meetings. Maintain detailed records of experiments with all necessary documents to reproduce the study in electronic and/or hard copy lab notebook. (15%)
  • Laboratory supplies- check and request with the principal investigator to order necessary items. Organize lab inventory and Maintain equipment utilized in experiments. Maintain mouse colony. Prepared commonly used buffers and reagents and manage safe work environment including proper waste disposal. Maintain certain equipment facilities. (15%).

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    Perform other duties connected with the research and overall lab management as assigned. Train new staff and direct the work of students. (5%)

     

    CONTACTS

    Department: Almost daily contact with supervisor, either in person or through electronic media to discuss research and maintain workflow.

    Students: Contact with student and postdoc employees to exchange information.

    University: Occasional contact with members of other departments, animal facility, clinical staff and administrators to share to support research activities.

    External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information necessary for purchase and protocol details.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Involve training new personnel with common lab tasks and orientation; direct the work of students.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Education and experience: bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biology program and 2 to 4 years of experience.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS 

  • Experience with mouse models and flow cytometry is required.
  • Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of oncology, immunology, biochemistry.
  • Follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Ability to operate all the common laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills. 
  • Good organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy and follow-through on assigned tasks.
  • Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. 
  • Good problem-solving skills; must demonstrate good analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making. 
  • Familiarity with policies and procedures of lab and adhere to chemical and biological safety and manage them.
  • Perform/supervise rodent husbandry including breeding, genotyping and maintain an accurate animal database.
  • Compliance with policies, procedures and regulations of the Animal Resource Center, IACUC, Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines for which essential training will be provided.
  • Computational knowledge necessary for research
  • Must demonstrate compliance with 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 university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
  • Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health of the animals.
  • Support the ongoing work of graduate students and postdocs

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    General laboratory environment. Working in dark environment for light sensitive experiments. Work will be done at regular lab as well as in the mouse facility. May have exposure to chemical and biohazards after completing safety training and approval. Work hours will depend on the type of experiments and may involve early start, late finish and working on weekends and holidays as required for any high quality competitive research. May involve local travel for sample collection and collaborative work.

    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 SOM 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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