Research Assistant 4

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general supervision, coordinate major activities in medical and related technical areas related to the use spatial-omic systems and other advanced microscopy instruments (e.g., light-sheet microscopy, confocal microscopy, etc.). The position manage the preparation of slides for our spatial multi-omic imaging systems, provide in-depth training, assist with tissue preparation for light-sheet microscopy, aid with user troubleshooting, maintain instruments, advise on image analysis, and more.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provide input and recommendations to the operations manager and director regarding significant developments in service-oriented research projects related to the use spatial-omic systems and other advanced microscopy instruments. (10%)
  • Coordinate major activities of laboratory/research in accordance with general plans to assist users work with the histology cores to get formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) or fresh frozen (FE) tissue slides. (10%)
  • Perform the most complex quantitative analytical experiments to supply scientific information as a part of a larger project. Manage the preparation of slides for the CosMx imaging system from Nanostring, following the precise two-day protocol to prepare slides. Prepare slides for the Xenium imaging system from 10X Genomics, following the two-day protocol to prepare slides. (40%)
  • Assist and train collaborators to prepare their tissues for light-sheet microscopy (e.g., optical clearing, whole-mount staining, etc.). Hold training sessions or tours for educational purposes. May train new staff; direct the work of students. (10%)
  • Collect and analyze data and advise on image analysis. Analyze visualization data utilizing programs provided be respective customer companies which may involve basic Python scripting. (10%)
  • May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures including optical clearing techniques, data visualization techniques, and quality control procedures. May assist in improving processes and techniques provided by respective companies. Assist with user troubleshooting. (10%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Perform other duties as assigned (5%)
  • Oversee inventory and assist with maintenance or training on microscopy instruments (5%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Frequent contact with director, operations manager, and other staff.

    University: Frequent contact with principal investigators and other research personnel and faculty and staff within the School of Medicine to collaborate on complex research. Regular contact with administrative offices and research administration within the school and the university to resolve issues.           

    External: Not frequent–may have contact with external users of the instruments.

    Students: Daily contact with student employees to maintain workflow, make adjustment to work, and/or establish procedures.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    May supervise and train staff and users of our equipment.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required. Prior experience with slide preparation is preferred. Advanced biology and wet lab experience is required.

    Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related scientific field science.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Common wet lab techniques (e.g., pipetting, preparing mixtures, etc.).
  • Advanced biology and genetic knowledge.
  • Must be extremely careful and precise.
  • Ability to understand scientific literature, experimental procedures and their limitations, and current needs of the research community.
  • Ability to problem solve effectively and demonstrate good judgement and logical decision making and ability to implement alternative solutions as needed.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills required. Must demonstrate the ability to work with individuals from various backgrounds.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills required.
  • Excellent presentation skills; proven ability to effectively present and articulate information to groups or individually for informational and training purposes.
  • Strong organizational skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize, give attention to detail, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
  • Ability to work with sensitive information and understand and employ issues of confidentiality and research ethics.
  • Proven ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow up with appropriate individuals.
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
  • Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, database applications, and internet navigation. Ability to learn and apply software programs and applications as needed.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    The individual will work in a laboratory environment and will be exposed to chemicals.

     

    DIVERSITY STATEMENT

    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.

    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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