Research Assistant 3 MAE (OMEGA)

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, coordinate research activities to design, implement, test, and build implant components. The research to development work on a federally funded project which aims to preparing orthopaedic implants for testing in animals and humans.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Coordinate laboratory and research activities. Perform mechanical fabrication and mechanical assembly under guidance. (25%)
2. Work closely with the principal investigators in managing mechanical fabrication and design of attachment between components, resolving questions, and correcting scientific errors. Design and manage individual experiments, reporting these in a consistent fashion and in a timely manner, managing issues of the scientific method including positive and negative controls, reproducibility, sample size estimate valuation, trends and troubleshooting, and refining techniques into standard operating procedures in the laboratory. (20%)
3. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Specific experimental studies will relate to the mechanical testing of new developed orthopaedic concepts. Maintain accurate records of the data obtained. Compile and analyze the data obtained. (10%)
4. Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. These include characterizing the performance of fabrication systems and methods generation of biologic orthopaedic components. (9%)
5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques and provide feedback on experimental design. Record results using appropriate software, such as Excel. Prepare and present results to
supervisors. Optimize and troubleshoot procedures to comply with expected outcomes. (8%)
6. May supervise students and technicians in the completion of experiments and compilation and reporting of results. (6%)
7. May co-author research projects in support of the principal investigators as the outcomes and circumstances of the program permit. (6%)
8. May monitor the laboratory budget. Monitor supply needs and consumption and communicate re-order requirements to project administrators. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Oversee a safe laboratory environment in accordance with university procedures and policies. (5%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with faculty and staff in the departments of Biology and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering who are working in the group to maintain workflow.
University : Regular contact with faculty and staff in the departments of Biology, Mechanical and Aerospace, and Civil Engineering to maintain workflow.
External: Frequent contact with external collaborators (industrial and academic) for experimental planning and collaborative efforts.
Students : This position entails infrequent contact with student employees.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position may include limited supervision of staff technicians. The employee may be asked to train new hires.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Experience with mechanical fabrication/manufacturing.
2. Ability to keep accurate and up to date information.
3. Ability to operate common laboratory equipment including mechanical testers.
4. Ability to maintain consistent attendance.
5. Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisor face to face.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
7. Good/strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
8. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
9. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate, sound judgment and good decision-making.
10. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Will work indoors in general laboratory environment with bloodborne pathogenic materials such as animal or human tissue. Willingness to have flexible work hours occasionally involving evenings and weekends.

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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