Research Assistant 3 Tissue Engineering (OMEGA)

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work on a federally funded project to develop engineered cartilage sheets and biological bone material for implantation in animals and humans. The Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research activities to design, implement, test, and validate data collection and analysis methods in tissue engineering. This position will work with animal and human tissue.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Coordinate laboratory and research activities. Perform long term bioreactor expansion of engineered tissues and maintain bioreactor systems. (30%)
2. Work closely with the principal investigators in managing tissue engineering research, 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 require the ability to perform cell expansion and biomaterial seeding, tissue culture, biochemical assays, immunofluorescence performance and analysis, and flow cytometry performance and analysis. Maintain accurate records of the data obtained.Compile and analyze the data obtained. (15%)
4. Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. These include characterizing the performance of bioreactor systems for the expansion of engineered tissues and biomaterial seeding. (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. Maintain lab equipment and proper lab operation. (2%)
2. Order general laboratory supplies and maintain inventory. (2%)
3. Prepare solutions, buffers, culture media, and maintain liquid nitrogen tanks, CO 2 tanks, and incubators etc. (2%)
4. Perform other assigned duties. (4%)

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 aseptic protocols and procedures involving human and/or animal cells.
2. Ability to keep accurate and up to date information.
3. Ability to operate common laboratory equipment including bioreactors.
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.
Willingness to have flexible work hours occasionally involving evenings and weekends. May
have exposure to hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde.

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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