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, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans. The lab performs advanced research at the intersection of cancer biology, intracellular signal transduction, and membrane trafficking. The research assistant will join a friendly, pleasant lab group that pursues cutting-edge biomedical research to understand the mechanism of Golgi trafficking, its regulation, and contribution to human disease, especially cancer. The lab is using discoveries to develop new approaches to cancer treatment. The position will include working with mice.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Perform experiments using PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, confocal microscopy, and basic molecular biology and protein biochemistry. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. (20%)  
  • Collect and analyze data using microscopy, chemiluminescence, and related methods. Analyze data using spreadsheet software, image analysis software, and similar computational methods. Prepare graphs, charts, and slides to report experimental data. (10%)
  • Organize and maintain mouse colony, keep records of mouse lines, genotype and wean pups. (20%)
  • Perform laboratory maintenance and organization under general guidance. Track and maintain supply inventory, work with fund manager, laboratory personnel, and supply company representatives to ensure supplies are ordered cost effectively and in a timely manner and on correct funding source. Help maintain laboratory equipment in good working order, appropriately calibrated and maintained. Ensure a clean, orderly, safe working environment. Maintain records of laboratory stocks and reagents, equipment manuals and procedures, purchases received and outstanding, packing slips, and storage destination, and laboratory experimental procedures and data. (33%)
  • Train new staff; direct the work of students. Coordinate laboratory safety with the department of occupational and environmental safety. Ensure compliance with safety protocols, orient new personnel and direct them to obtain appropriate training through the department of occupational and environmental safety, maintain records of personnel training, work with the department of occupational and environmental safety to ensure compliance with rules and regulations regarding chemical, biohazard, radiochemical, and general laboratory hazards. (10%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    1.    Attend and participate in laboratory meetings. (2%)

    2.   Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

     

    CONTACTS

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

    University: Occasional contact with Environmental Health and Safety to ensure safety compliance.

    External: Regular contact with supply and equipment vendors to obtain quotes and to ensure cost effective purchasing and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

    Students: Daily contact with postdoctoral and student employees to provide orientation to the lab, explain policies and procedures, coordinate purchasing, and collaboration on experiments.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Education/Experience: Bachelor of Science degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a biomedical research laboratory environment, including sterile technique and basic cell culture.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Previous experience working with animals preferred.
  • Must demonstrate compliance with university animal research care 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.
  • Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, and processes to protect the health of the animals.
  • Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
  • Strong organization skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and ability to successfully follow-through on assigned projects.
  • Ability to communicate results verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively within a team (responsible and dependable).
  • Must have the ability to maintain complete and easily retrievable laboratory data.
  • Must be willing to learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face in a friendly and professional manner.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    General research laboratory environment. Will work with bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and radioactive materials. Will be required to attend safety training for Bloodborne Pathogens, Laboratory Safety, and Radiation Safety. Will work extensively with mice and will be required to undergo relevant training. Employee will be required to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, lab coat, and eyewear. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a cell and molecular biology laboratory, working with mice and other animal models in the laboratory and in the animal facility.

    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 School of Medicine 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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