Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical. This is a part-time 20 hours a week  position. The Research Assistant 3 will plan and carry out experimental work in accordance with general plans and research protocols to support research studying inflammation in cardiovascular injury and repair and other inflammatory and thrombotic disorders. The experimental work will include in vitro and in vivo models of disease, as well as pharmaceutical development. This position will work with animals. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information. The general cell and molecular biology skills required includes DNA, RNA, protein preparation, Western blot analysis, PCR, RT-PCR, cell culture, ELISA, mouse tissue harvesting, processing, sectioning, and immunohistochemistry staining (40%)  
Perform rodent husbandry including breeding, genotyping, and animal colony maintenance, and maintaining an accurate animal database, harvesting tissues and cells from mice. (25%)
May co-author research projects by analyzing experiment results, and preparing graphs, charts, and slides from experimental data for purposes of reporting and presentation. (10%)
Work closely with the principal investigator to coordinate laboratory/ research activities, including planning in vitro and in vivo experiments in accordance with general plans. When needed, devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training, particularly involving ELISA and Western Blot. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures, record and analyze data. Communicate with the principal investigator when the techniques and procedures do not work as well as expected for any reason such as changes of reagents. (15%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

May supervise students. Train new staff regarding standard laboratory policies and procedures (SOPs) as well as basic cell and molecular biology and animal research techniques. (5%)
May monitor the laboratory budget and inform and discuss with the PI if certain costs such as animal costs are too high (3%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)
 

CONTACTS 

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

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS  

Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the cell and molecular biology field. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear and maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness to protect the health of the animals. Willingness and ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with ability to operate laboratory equipment.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. 
Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, CO2 incubator, liquid nitrogen tanks, -80C freezer, chemical hood, cell culture hood.
Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and PPT. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. 
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.
Strong organization skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment. Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow-through on assigned projects.
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
Ability to meet consistent attendance. Expected to work after hours/weekends if required by experiments.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the University.
Must demonstrate compliance with the 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 be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
Must demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines.
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The laboratory is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for experiments. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. Expected to be conscientious of hazards of different chemicals used as well as animal samples. Required personal protective equipment includes a laboratory coat, gloves suitable for the types of organisms, chemicals and reagents handled and protective eyewear as appropriate. Ergonomic concerns include regular and repetitive use of a keyboard and pipettes.

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 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.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.