Research Assistant 2

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 8 days ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

Position Objective

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research projects in accordance with general research guidelines. The responsibilities include planning and performing experiments on projects related to cardiac contractile function. The research assistant will work closely with other lab members and focus on research involving molecular biology of cardiac muscle contraction. This position will perform a wide array of cellular and molecular biology experiments using gel electrophoresis, western blots, bacterial transformation and culture, and other in vitro techniques.

 

Essential Functions

  • Plan and carry out research projects that characterize the roles of myofilament contractile proteins in the regulation of cardiac muscle contraction. (6%)
  • Conduct a series of general molecular biology experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Design and implement cloning strategies, PCR analysis, mutagenesis, expression levels of cardiac proteins by various gel electrophoresis techniques, western blotting, gel purification, plasmid preparation, bacterial transformation, and bacterial culture in order to express highly purified recombinant proteins for biophysical experiments. (35%)
  • Collect and analyze data from mechanical experiments in isolated cardiac and skeletal muscle preparations. (35%)
  • May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures related to immunostaining of whole heart sections, isolated muscle fibers, and myofibrils. Train new staff; direct the work of students. (10%)
  • Prepare and present research results in lab meetings. (9%)

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    NonEssential Functions

  • Maintain equipment, prepare buffer/media/reagents, and dispose bio hazardous waste. (2%)
  • Maintain lab records. Oversee inventory and standard operating procedures. (2%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Regular contact with investigators to discuss research, research education, direction, goals and time management. Frequent contact with laboratory employees in collaboration in common research project.

    University: Occasional interaction with other faculty in the department and the university to provide updates on common collaborative research projects. Utilize core university facilities for experimentation and maintain strong relationship with core mangers for research collaborations.

    External: Occasional communication with research collaborators from other institutions to exchange information.

    Students: Occasional contact with students to assist students with their research projects.

     

    Supervisory Responsibility

    No direct supervisory responsibilities. Train new staff and direct the work of students.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related scientific field 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

  • Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in chemistry, physics, biochemistry and molecular/cellular biology and in vivo cardiovascular function.
  • Experience with computer programming and molecular dynamic preferred.
  • Ability to use various molecular and computational methods to bridge the gap of understanding between structure and experimental observations in cardiac muscle physiology.
  • Able to perform various molecular biology techniques.
  • Prior experience with cell culture and protein expression/purification.
  • Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.
  • Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to effectively operate basic molecular and cellular biology laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to problem-solve effectively and assist in the development and implementation of alternative solutions as needed. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.
  • Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively within a team.
  • Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc. Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
  • Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.
  • Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.

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    Working Conditions

    Working on a muscle mechanics setup, working on a bench with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, working with animal models/and bacterial cells in the laboratory, working in front of a computer for several hours, working outside standard working days or hours as required. The employee will work with frequent interruptions and distractions. May have exposure to hazards. There may be exposure to research specific chemicals and the employee will need to take Chemical Safety Training. Required personal protective equipment may include a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate.

    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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