Research Assistant 3

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 22 days ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will work with other staff members in the Tissue Resources Core to perform primarily tissue acquisition and data entry for human tissue procurement services. Discarded human tissue from surgery is systematically acquired and distributed to medical researchers located on the Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center campus and other academic and commercial institutions throughout the United States. Investigators are highly dependent on this tissue service to obtain samples for biomedical research. The most important objectives related to this position are to: 1) participate in the procurement, preparation, and distribution of requested tissue samples to both internal and external researchers; 2) enter patient and biospecimen information into a variety of databases used by the Tissue Resources Core with high accuracy; and 3) obtain and de-identify corresponding pathology reports for dissemination with samples. The research assistant 3 will be involved in several major activities being conducted in the core laboratory.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. This position will work closely with the principal investigator to perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab skills. Some of the research duties will be responsible for carrying out complex research assignments and to devise new protocols and techniques on non-routine requests processed by the lab. Conduct analysis of tissue samples. Coordinate with Tissue Resources Core and University Hospital surgical pathology staff to obtain discarded human tissue for distribution to researchers. Collect tissues from the frozen section room, cutting room, and autopsy suite at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Activities include coordinating the specimen carriers to go to operating rooms and promptly retrieving the carriers when paged or called and transporting the specimens to the Surgical Pathology department for examination. (50%)
  • Coordinate research results, keeping detailed and highly accurate records in the laboratory. Produce accurate and complete donor and biospecimen records; these records are printed by hand onto authorization forms and entered into various secure databases. Entering information daily into a bioscpecimen management software program (LabMatrix). Coordinate and manage the printing and de-identifying of surgical pathology and autopsy reports in a timely manner. Collection of this information might be used to author research projects. (17%)
  • Coordinate and maintain records of experiments. Maintenance of strict patient confidentiality is a critical aspect of the job for all individuals working in the Tissue Resource Core. (Training on Human Subjects Research and the handling of patient-related information is provided and required to comply with IRB and HIPAA regulations). Organize, label, and file Quality Control H&E slides for collected research samples and paraffin block inventory. This position will use the data to evaluate the adequacy of techniques to develop new testing processes and procedures. Organize, label, and keep detailed records of tissue blocks and frozen tissues stored in liquid nitrogen freezers. Identify researchers who are requesting a particular type of tissue, assign tissues on a rotating basis within a defined prioritization scheme, contact laboratories to confirm that a researcher can accept a sample, and assist in sample packaging and distribution. (10%)
  • Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. This position will be responsible for and also will supervise students and technicians to perform routine lab maintenance, including cleaning equipment and lab ware; and disposing of biohazardous waste. (10%)
  • Order laboratory supplies. Maintain stock reagents, supplies, and inventory used in the facility for tissue procurement, histology, and immunohistochemistry assays as needed for certain experiments while monitoring the laboratory budget. (8%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Distribute annual questionnaires, periodic surveys, and flyers. Also, help in mass mailings conducted for marketing purposes. (2.5%)
  • Responsible for covering tissue procurement and other lab activities while other employees are taking vacation or off sick. (2.5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Frequent contact with the manager of operations and other Tissue Resource Core personnel, surgical pathologists, medical residents, morticians, and histology personnel associated with the Pathology department to obtain information regarding samples. Regular contact is also made with operating room control desk nurses.

    University: Regular contact is made with individual laboratories to alert them of potential sample acquisition, to arrange for sample delivery, and to discuss changes in protocols.

    External: Occasional contact with outside tissue networks and researchers are needed to arrange for shipping of tissues and to obtain current information for records

    Students: Occasional contact is made with students working on tissue-based research and who are authorized to collect samples on behalf of the primary investigator, to obtain information.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    May supervise students and technicians.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: and 3 to 5 years of experience

    Education: Bachelor’s degree in science

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Knowledge and understanding of general anatomy and physiology.
  • Familiar with medical terminology.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and other database applications.
  • Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good organization skills; ability to multi-task, and work in a busy laboratory environment.
  • Good interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals within the university and hospital.
  • Previous experience working in a laboratory environment.
  • Must comply with the policies and precautions of both the university and hospital.
  • Ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively within a team.
  • Effective problem-solving skills.
  • Must demonstrate willingness to learn new computer programs and laboratory techniques.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as Microtome and cryostat, tissue processor, tissue embedding, workstation, histochemical autostainer, in situ hybridization oven, BX41 Olympus microscope.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    General laboratory environment with direct exposure to blood borne pathogens, human and animal tissues, formaldehyde and other potentially hazardous chemicals.

    Read and understand CWRU’s Laboratory Safety Manual and laboratory specific Chemical Hygiene Plan and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan; complete training online or attend annual safety training sessions. Work in the lab involves handling of human tissues potentially containing pathogens such as Hepatitis, HIV, and tuberculosis. Preparation, preservation, and storage of tissues also involves use of liquid nitrogen, formaldehyde, and other chemicals; maintain strict adherence to universal precautions, work area decontamination procedures, specific chemical safety policies, and housekeeping is required.

    Protected Health Information (PHI) is obtained when reviewing surgical schedules, performing the collection of tissues, and accessing surgical pathology reports. Patient records are highly confidential and release of any patient information requires special Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals.
    Maintenance of strict patient confidentiality is a critical aspect of the job for all individuals working in the TRC. Training on Human Subjects Research and the handling of patient-related information is provided and required to comply with IRB and HIPAA regulations.

    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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