Research Assistant 4

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 30 days ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Research Assistant 4 will coordinate major activities of laboratory and research staff in medical and related technical areas. The research assistant will plan and perform complex protocols for the evaluation of biological rhythms in mice. These protocols include, but are not limited to, surgical implantation of wireless telemetry probes to measure EEG, EMG, ECG, glucose, temperature, activity, and pressure, microdissection, working with sensitive circadian monitoring equipment, and measurement of protein and nucleic acid. The research assistant is expected to provide high-level input to the principal investigator regarding planning, execution, and development of research projects, assist in development of laboratory procedures. Administratively, the research assistant will coordinate and manage all major activities in the laboratory, manage safety protocols, and mentor junior staff and students. Additionally, the research assistant will co-author and present major findings from the laboratory. This position will work with animals.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provide input and recommendations to the principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects and execution of experimental protocols. Assist in experimental planning, frequently communicating data and research project updates. Meet to discuss project implementation with the principal investigator on a weekly basis, and participate in monthly meetings with the Circadian Rhythm Team. (24%)
  • Coordinate major activities of laboratory/research. Plan and execute major experiments, delegate and oversee certain aspects of experimental protocols, manage data and equipment, and perform complex data analyses. Perform small animal surgeries including anesthetizing mice, monitoring for adverse effects, implanting telemetry devices, and eventual euthanasia of the mice. Conduct tissue harvest and coordinate with the histology core as required. (29%)
  • Co-author research projects and major findings of the laboratory with the principal investigator. Utilize understanding of circadian rhythm software packages, to assist the principal investigator with data analysis and to present data at conferences. (10%)
  • Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures. Perform data analysis including qPCR, various protein analyses, and circadian analysis of mouse parameters including temperature, motor activity, glucose, EEG, EMG, and EKG. (19%)
  • May supervise research assistants and technicians. Responsible for day-to-day supervision of students when rotating through the lab. (6%)
  • Teach or instruct others in research techniques. Alongside the principal investigator, teach students and junior staff research techniques used in the lab including implant surgeries, recharging devices, and maintaining the circadian monitoring systems. (6%)
  • Assist in developing procedures for safe animal experiments and surgeries, coordinate information with other staff and investigators as needed. Help with the renewal and amendments to IACUC protocols, and coordinate use of shared circadian monitoring equipment as needed. (6%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    Perform other duties as assigned, including management of service contracts, light equipment upkeep, and management of safety protocols, standard operating procedures handbooks, and SDS books. (<1%)

     

    CONTACTS

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

    University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

    External: Occasional contact with vendors to exchange information.

    Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    May supervise research assistants and technicians.

     

    REQUIREMENTS

    Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

    Education: Bachelor’s degree in science required.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in animal research, rodent neurosurgery, circadian biology, and molecular genetics.
  • Has experience with at least four of the following skills: analysis of circadian rhythms, rodent surgery, tissue dissection/preparation, cell culture, immunoassays, histology.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word.
  • Has extensive experience working with rodents. Previous experience working with animals.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
  • Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve University animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
  • Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve 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 maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    Molecular and rodent laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards such as formaldehyde, isoflurane, and carbon monoxide. May be required to use personal protective equipment, including standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. All work- related activities will be performed indoors. If desired, the employee may travel to conferences to present data from the laboratory. The employee may occasionally be required to briefly come to work on weekends to manage mice or cultured cells. This position is not eligible for the staff hybrid work program.

    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” position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to 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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