Research Assistant 3

Case Western Reserve University, United States

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

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work in immunology, cell biology and molecular biology-based projects to support research studies in the division of Infectious Diseases. The focus of the research study is to further develop novel therapeutic approaches to control inflammatory disorders while minimizing the risk of infections, and study host-pathogen interaction with the goal to develop new and improved treatment strategies that do not rely on administration of antibiotics (host-directed therapy). This position will work with animals.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Coordinate laboratory/research activities in accordance with general plans. Work with a team on coordination of in vitro and in vivo experiments to examine the role of CD40 in the regulation of inflammatory responses, as well as the regulation of molecular mechanisms involved in control of Toxoplasma gondii . (10%)
  • Work closely with the principal investigator, meet daily to discuss planning of experiments, recent results, developments that may require a change in the experimental plan and monitoring of laboratory budget. (6%) 
  • Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Studies include but are not limited to cell culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, transfections and immunoblots. Studies in animals include breeding of mice, intraperitoneal injections and organ collection. (40%)
  • Collect and analyze data generated by real time PCR, flow cytometry and luciferase assays. This includes statistical analysis and generation of graphs that summarize the experimental results; and may result in co-authorship in research projects. (15%)
  • Maintain laboratory records by keeping clear and organized notebooks, documenting procedures used and data generated. Maintain safety manuals, and protocols. (6%)
  • Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training, such as protocols for isolation of primary mouse cells and detection of intracellular proteins by flow cytometry. Evaluate adequacy of existing laboratory techniques; study and test new procedures, and analyze data. (6%)
  • Work with other members of the team to maintain certain equipment (liquid nitrogen tanks, cleaning of tissue culture incubators, freezers, refrigerators, water baths, microscopes and lab ware) and oversee inventory (ordering and procuring reagents, laboratory supplies and mice). Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety. (6%)
  • Train new staff. Supervise the work of undergraduate and graduate students and technicians. (7% )

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

     

    CONTACTS

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

    University: Daily contact with Animal Resource Center, other lab personnel and university employees to discuss research and maintain workflow.

    External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

    Students: Daily contact with graduate and undergraduate students working in the laboratory to exchange information.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    May supervise students and technicians.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required. Strong expertise in tissue culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology, transfections and animal work. Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary.

    Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS 

  • Expertise in tissue culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, immunoblot, breeding of mice and collection of mouse organs.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals.
  • Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management, and follow-through as well as a good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment.
  • Ability to organize, maintain and prepare accurate records.
  • Effective problem-solving skills; sound judgment and good decision-making.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter).
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
  • Previous experience working with animals preferred.
  • Must demonstrate compliance with university animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance with 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 learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
  • Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.
  • Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and FlowJo is a plus.
  • Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.
  • Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    General laboratory environment: The lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for animal handling and manipulations. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with two fume hoods for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials as well as several freezers. The cell culture room is equipped with 3 incubators, 2 culture hoods, and microscopes. Access to a multi-color Flow Cytometer, ELISA reader and real time PCR machine in a neighboring labs. The employee should expect frequent interactions with lab members from that lab and must be willing to collaborate. Major physical demands include transferring animals between the lab and the animal holding facility, maintaining the animal colonies, as well as weekly changes of mouse/rat cages. The employee will be exposed and use to routine laboratory chemicals and solvents, and paraformaldehyde for tissue processing. This position requires handling of animal and tissues from animals and humans following Biosafety Level II practices. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

    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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