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. The Research Assistant 2 will support the clinical laboratory and research activities for the National Prion Surveillance Lab dedicated to diagnostic and research work on prion diseases. The research assistant will facilitate ongoing specimen accessioning, tissue bank management, laboratory inventory management and specimen processing. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Plan and carry out accessioning projects in accordance with general regulatory requirements. Accession samples accurately in a BSL2 lab.  Handle prion infected specimens and evaluate them for testing viability in a timely manner. Match received specimen paperwork with coordinating specimen label(s) for accuracy. Identify and report discrepancies immediately.  (25%)
  • Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Prepare, evaluate samples to relevant lab staff, including genetic DNA extraction, CSF, histology and Western Blot testing. Document all correspondence and input information in database.  Handle specimen verification calls to the sender or referring physician to verify how the sample was treated and any other knowledge deemed necessary. (25%)
  • May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Coordinate and facilitate the transfer of research samples between the university and other institutions ensuring all applicable policies are adhered to. May assist in managing CDC import permits. Authorize all shipping and slide picture requests, including receiving and exporting of materials. Obtain hazardous shipping certificate. (15%)
  • Collect and analyze clinical data (test requisitions) and record keeping support with high level data entry and by implementing quality data controls. Specimen processing of all clinical lab specimens and accession autopsy tissue when received at the NPDPSC. Prepare clinical reports and update patient clinical history. (15%)
  • Maintain certain equipment facilities. Serve as point person for iLab internal and external research requests. Regularly monitor requests, locate samples by freezer location, communicate and provide samples to appropriate lab personnel for processing. Evaluate and manage freezer locations and tissue bank space needs.  Reorganize all specimens as necessary to better suit and facilitate the department’s work (10%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS              

  • Oversee inventory. Oversee supply inventory of shipping material and place orders in a timely manner. (5%)
  • Train new staff; direct the work of students. May train new laboratory accessioning technicians and student employees and occasionally direct the work of student employees when necessary. (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned.  (<1%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Daily contact with the laboratory manager of the center and other members of the NPDPSC leadership team to discuss interdepartmental needs and to prepare for specimen requests.

    University: Occasional contact with faculty and staff that use the Prion Center for their research in the School of Medicine, University Hospital Department of Medicine and numerous support and service departments in University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University.

    External: Limited contact with suppliers of laboratory products and supplies that the Prion Center uses for their equipment needs.

    Students: Contact with student employees that are assisting with numerous duties in the Prion Center. There are student employee in the Prion Center.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; 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 biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS 

  • Must be extremely well organized and capable of setting priorities while maintaining consistent attention to accuracy and quality.
  • Must show great transparency in work and be able to create SOP’s as necessary for work functions and protocols. Must keep exceptionally accurate and easily retrievable records.
  • Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of chemistry and biology.
  • Must be motivated to explore and learn new laboratory techniques and must be able to teach laboratory techniques to other technicians.
  • Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and be a team player.
  • Punctuality and good attendance required. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Must be able to manage specimen storage for permanent tissue bank
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as microtome and cryostat, Tissue Processor, Tissue Embedding Workstation and microscope.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, School and University, and with individuals outside the University.
  • Good/strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
  • Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. 
  • Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making. 
  • Ability to perform DNA extraction, CSF aliquoting, and urine aliquoting, along with tissue transfers under a BSL2 hood.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face-to-face.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

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    Working Conditions

    Standard laboratory conditions with some hazardous chemicals.  Special hazards include biohazardous (potentially infectious) human brain and cerebrospinal fluid and other bloodborne pathogens and chemicals. The following personal protective equipment required: appropriate gloves, protective eyewear, laboratory coat, and safety shoes.

    this postion does not allow for remote or hybrid work schedules

    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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