Research Associate-Cell Biology - Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Title: Research Associate-Cell Biology

Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

School: Case School of Engineering

Location: Case Western Reserve University (Building/Room: TBD)

Supervisor Name and Title: Harihara Baskaran, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Will also report to Rodrigo Somoza and Jean Welter, Research Associate Professors of Biology.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision and in close collaboration with the principal investigator and senior staff the research associate will carry out complex research assignments to engineer functional cartilage and bone tissues for a newly funded interdisciplinary research project with investigators from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Case School of Engineering and the School of Medicine. The research associate will join a highly accomplished and active team of engineers and scientists whose activities include cell and tissue engineering, biomaterials, and bioreactor development for cartilage and bone. The research associate will be expected to contribute to oral and written communication of project findings such as progress reports, publications, and presentations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working under limited supervision, perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab skills. Essential functions include:

1. Coordinate laboratory/research activities regarding the development, deployment and integration of cartilage constructs by focusing on the optimization of chondrocyte and mesenchymal stem cells isolation, expansion and differentiation. (40%)

2. Maintain accurate data recording, analyze data, write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Contribute to the preparation of progress reports to the granting agency. (15%)

3. Work closely with senior research staff. Generate, organize, and analyze collected data, and create tables and figures for discussion. (10%)

4. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. This will include biochemical and histological analysis of cells and tissues; complex cell culture assays using human cells and molecular biology experiments. (15%)

5. Devise new protocols and techniques involving a high degree of skill and training. (5%)

6. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data (5%)

7. May supervise technicians. (5%)

8. May monitor the laboratory budget. Oversee lab inventory and order supplies as needed. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

CONTACTS

Department:

Faculty and staff in the departments of Biology and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering who are working in the group. These will be day-to-day contacts and work interactions in the lab/office.

University:

Faculty and staff in the departments of Biology, Mechanical and Aerospace, and Civil Engineering (Continuous).

External:

            Contacts with external collaborators (industrial and academic) for experimental planning.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise Research Assistants and Technicians in the group.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Bioengineering background. Preference will be given to researchers with experience in cell culture, molecular biology and tissue engineering. Practical experience in a manufacturing setting would be an asset. Also see required skills, below.

Education/Licensing: A PhD or equivalent (in Cell Biology/Physiology, Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, or related fields)

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, meet deadlines, manage work from multiple individuals, manage and perform multiple tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English. This is critical. The Project involves a large group and keeping everyone apprised of developments and progress is key to smooth operation.
• Very good time-management skills.
• Self-motivated with great problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data sets & communicate data in a clear and concise manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS

University safety training is required. Working conditions includes the use of personal protective equipment, i.e., appropriate gloves, protective eyewear, laboratory coat, appropriate footwear. The individual should be able to perform the following activities, bend, stoop, kneel, push, pull, reach above shoulder, repetitive motion, type, use a computer (mouse and keyboard). Be able to work in a confined space. Be able to frequently transit between the lab and other University facilities carrying research supplies. Working in an indoor laboratory/office setting and with common laboratory apparatus and chemicals. Working with cells and tissues classified as blood-borne pathogens. Working outside standard working days or hours may be occasionally required when performing certain activities, such as cell culture. Occasional travel to attend conferences or to work with outside collaborators.

APPLICATION

Qualified candidates should send their CV and a letter of interest to Dr. Harihara Baskaran at [email protected]