Senior Research Associate - Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Cleveland, OHIO
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Title: Senior Research Associate

Department: Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

School: Medicine

Location: Wolstein Research Building – Main Campus

Supervisor Name and Title: Amar Desai, PhD. Assistant Professor

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The responsibilities of this position include planning and executing research projects within a laboratory focusing on hematopoietic stem cell biology. The individual will work closely with a team consisting of the P.I., and undergraduate and medical students within the Comprehensive Cancer Center. Specific experimental studies will require the ability to conduct bone marrow transplantation in mice, to isolate bone marrow stem cells from mice, to analyze bone marrow stem cells using FACS based methodology, and to conduct parallel studies involving isolation of human bone marrow stem cells, and to perform xeno-transplantation of human hematopoietic stem cells into immune deficient mice. The individual will be responsible for managing and designing 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. Careful documentation and accountability are required.  The individual will be responsible for writing and submitting manuscripts reporting research.     

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provide scientific oversight of all research projects, including data collection and maintenance, reporting directly to the Principal Investigator. Establish and manage the day-to-day priorities of the research staff. (30%)
  • With the Principal Investigator, establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet with Principal Investigator on a regular basis to review and set priorities, staff/student-related issues, and future research and staff planning. (25%)
  • In vivo murine techniques including bone marrow transplantation, xenografting, bone marrow stem cell isolation, and sample collection. In vitro techniques including flow cytometry, PCR, cell culture, western blot, cell growth, etc. (20%)
  • Preparation and submission of publications of research and preparation and submission of mentored research awards in collaboration with the PI. (10%)
  • Presentation of scientific findings at internal, external, and national meetings. (5%)

    • NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • May monitor the laboratory budget and provide monthly updates to lab principle investigator.  Provide input and recommendations to the principal investigator regarding budgetary matters. (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

    • CONTACTS

    Department: Continuous contact with Principal Investigator to provide weekly data updates as well as a small team within the laboratory working on similar research. Moderate contact with SPORE principle investigator to provide information on the status of research projects. Moderate contact with entire SPORE faculty team to update them on research project status. Moderate contact with the director of the NCRM to update on collaborative research.

    University: Contact with the staff in the animal resource center to maintain proper animal husbandry/ address issues.

    External: Little or no contact with external constituents.

    Students: Contact with graduate students to assist in thesis projects and provide experimental support.

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    The holder of the position will have supervisory responsibility including recommending reward or discipline of individuals who he or she will have responsibility for directing, including a research team consisting of undergraduate and medical students.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Education: Doctoral degree (PhD or MD) in the biomedical sciences.

    Experience: Minimum of 5 years related postdoctoral experience required. Specific experience in studying hematology/oncology will be an asset.

    EXISTING SKILLS or ABILITY TO LEARN THESE SKILLS

  • Experience in hematology/oncology research with expertise in the field of bone marrow transplantation and hematopoiesis, or ability to learn this discipline.
  • Experience in methods of isolation and assay of bone marrow stem cells, or ability to learn this discipline.
  • Knowledge and experience with working with in vivo therapeutic development, or ability to learn this discipline
  • Demonstrated experience in writing and submission of scientific manuscripts.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.
  • Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.   
  • Ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff. 
  • Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.  Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
  • Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making. 
  • Good computer skills, including database management. 
  • Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU 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 CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission.  Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.

    • WORKING CONDITIONS

    General laboratory environment. Employee will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens, chemicals, and radiation. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, coat, and eyewear. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a molecular genetics/ biology laboratory, working with mice and other animal models in the laboratory and in the animal facility, and when needed working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment.

    Case'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." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to SOM 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.

    TO APPLY

    Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vita, and a brief statement of research interests to Dr. Desai at [email protected].


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