Research Assistant 2

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research projects that contribute to the overall objective of the lab, which is to better understand the immune microenvironment in brain tumors, identify potential new strategies to make immunotherapy more effective for these patients, select lead strategies through testing in preclinical models, and translate lead strategies into clinical trials. 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 principal investigators in Pathology and the School of Medicine, including collaborations with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, computational scientists, surgeons, pathologists, and oncologists. This position will work with primary patient specimens.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Plan and carry out accessioning projects in accordance with general regulatory requirements. Perform biosafety level 2 (BSL2) cell culture techniques with primary human cells and maintain organoid cultures derived from primary patient samples, ensuring optimal growth conditions and monitoring for health and proliferation. Prepare cells, organoids, and patient specimens for single cell sequencing. Prepare organoids and patient specimens for spatial transcriptomic methods. Prepare DNA/RNA libraries for genomic sequencing, following protocols for quality control and ensuring the accurate representation of samples. (40%)
  • Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Prepare, evaluate samples in coordination with relevant lab staff. Conduct multiplex immunofluorescent staining on cell and tissue samples to visualize specific proteins of interest. Prepare DNA/RNA libraries for genomic sequencing, following protocols for quality control and ensuring the accurate representation of samples. Operate microscopy equipment for imaging of stained samples, ensuring high-quality capture of fluorescence signals. Perform flow cytometry experiments to analyze cell populations within samples, including staining, running samples through flow cytometers, and performing basic data analysis. (30%)
  • 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. (10%)
  • Collect and analyze clinical data (test requisitions) and record keeping support with high level data entry and by implementing quality data controls. Coordinate the collection, processing, and storage of clinical samples from collaborators or clinical partners, adhering to ethical guidelines and ensuring sample integrity. Maintain detailed experimental records, including methods, results, and observations, in electronic lab notebooks and electronic databases. Contribute to the preparation of figures, tables, and sections of manuscripts and reports under the guidance of senior lab members. (10%)
  • Oversee inventory. Maintain certain equipment facilities. Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory, including reagent preparation, sterilization of equipment, and ordering supplies as needed. Ensure a clean, organized, and safe working environment in compliance with institutional safety protocols. Train new personnel with common lab tasks and orientation. (10%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

     

    CONTACTS.

    Department: Almost daily contact with supervisor, either in person or through electronic communications to discuss research plans and results. Work with clinical fellows, and postdoctoral employees to exchange information. Regular contact (several times a week) with clinical staff, including surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, clinical research coordinators, and surgical staff.

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

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

    Students: Work closely with students daily to exchange information.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff on 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

  • Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of biology, immunology, biochemistry.
  • Follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Ability to operate all the common laboratory equipment, such as: Pipettes, PCR Machine, Centrifuge, Biosafety Cabinets, Incubator, Tape Station, Nanodrop, Flow cytometer, and Microscope.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and clinical staff 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.
  • Computational knowledge necessary for research
  • 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

    The physical work environment is a general laboratory environment. The employee will periodically work in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and BSL-2+ facilities. This job may include handling of primary biological specimens that may be infected with human pathogens, and may include using lentivirus, retrovirus, or AAV to infect human cells. The position will require handling of infectious materials, general laboratory chemicals (some of which are hazardous), blood-borne pathogens, repetitive motion (pipetting), and occasional DOT shipping or receiving of biological or infectious material. Personal protective equipment required for the job includes laboratory coat, eye protection, and gloves. 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 specific experiments. May involve local travel for sample collection and collaborative work. This position may provide opportunities for travel to national conferences.

    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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