Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under moderate supervision, perform research work in medical and related technical. The laboratory studies the role of glial cells in neurodevelopmental disorders using mouse models, cell culture and molecular studies. The research assistant will train and assist in cell culture of primary glial cells derived from mouse models of dystonia. The research assistant will additionally train and assist in staining, imaging and image analyses to study the cellular defects in glial lineage in dystonia. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
1.    Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills. The research assistant will assist in culturing primary glial cells derived from disease mouse models, maintain and differentiate these cells, harvest them, staining and imaging using confocal microscopy. (30%) 
2.    Conduct analysis of samples. The research assistant will analyze the imaging data using Image J software. Additionally, the research assistant will be trained and then perform statistical analyses of the resulting data. (30%) 
3.    Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. The research assistant will be responsible for organizing and saving imaging data and statistical analyses appropriately in hard drive and clous drive. (10%) 
4.    Maintain records of experiments. Record the experimental protocols of the cell culture and staining methodology used. The research assistant will organize and save the imaging data, statistical analyses, and results of the imaging experiments appropriately in both the hard drive and cloud drive for bookkeeping and publications. (10%)
5.    Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. The research assistant will be responsible for performing appropriate cleanup of equipment, as well as proper startup, shutdown, and sterilization procedures for the tissue culture hood, cryostat, and confocal microscope. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
1.    Order laboratory supplies. Order commonly used laboratory supplies when needed ¿ this includes plasticware, antibodies and chemicals pipettes. (5%)
2.    Perform other duties as assigned that include: making common lab buffers and autoclaving. (5%)

CONTACTS 
Department: Daily contact with supervisor to plan experiments and discuss research. Frequent contact with personnel from other laboratories in the department for learning and collaborating on experimental techniques. 
University: Occasional contact with other departments to learn techniques and obtain new reagents or learn new protocols. 
External: Limited contact with vendors to obtain product and order information.
Students: Daily contact with students to exchange information and conduct experiments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: Bachelor¿s degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS 
1.    Has knowledge of commonly used concepts in Neurosciences.
2.    Has knowledge of general lab practices, and procedures in biological sciences. 
3.    Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. 
4.    Ability to operate laboratory equipment after appropriate training.
5.    Ability to operate cryostat.
6.    Proficient in techniques of immunohistochemistry
7.    Proficient in imaging techniques and analysis.
8.    Ability to meet consistent attendance.
9.    Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
10.    Previous experience working with animals preferred.
11.    Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, school and university.
12.    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. 
13.    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. 
14.    Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
15.    Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
16.    Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI).

WORKING CONDITIONS
May have exposure to hazards such as fixatives (formaldehyde solution). Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves, and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. Exposure to noise from equipment. Moderate to frequent use of computers.
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." This 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.