Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas including animal and human tissue processing, various immunohistochemistry assays, protein chemistry including gel electrophoresis and western blotting, and assist with general lab maintenance. The Zhu laboratory studies neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease and other related diseases. Specifically, the lab focuses on how mitochondria in various cell types contribute to the cell death and disease progression. The research assistant will work closely with lab members including the principal investigator, research associates, post-doctoral scholars, and other research assistants, and learn to design, perform, and analyze experiments. This position will work with animals (mice), specifically working on mouse colony breeding and performing PCR genotyping analysis. 
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Work closely with the principal investigator to coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Oversee daily operations, ensure lab safety compliance, and maintain annual training records. Serve as the primary point of contact for shipping/receiving and equipment sterilization. (20%) 
Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Independently perform non-routine histological and biochemical studies on human and animal samples. Execute advanced microscopy (confocal/fluorescent) and digital image acquisition. Advanced Molecular Biology & Technical Execution: Perform complex gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and PCR genotyping for mouse models. Evaluate the adequacy of current techniques and troubleshoot technical challenges. (25%) 
Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Maintain and analyze specialized tissue culture cell lines. (15%)  
Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Use Excel, Image J, and Adobe Creative Suite to analyze, quantify, and prepare high-quality figures for presenting results to the PI. May co-author research manuscripts and contribute to grant applications. (15%)
May monitor the laboratory budget. Monitor the laboratory budget and grant expenditures. Independently order reagents and supplies via the university online system. (10%) 
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

May supervise students and technicians. Supervise, train, and direct the work of students and junior technical staff. Ensure all lab members adhere to established guidelines. (5%)
May co-author research projects by working with the principal investigator and laboratory team. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
CONTACTS 

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

University: Occasional contact with other labs/ departments to share information. 

External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information. Limited contact with outside collaborators to receive/ ship samples and exchange information. 

Students: Daily contact with students in the lab 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 basic laboratory skills including pipetting, basic chemistry lab techniques including weighing using analytical balance, preparing solutions, pH meter usage. 
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter). 
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. 
Ability to operate routine laboratory equipment: weighing balances, pipets, knowledge of use of spectrophotometer. 
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.
Will be expected to complete training with 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 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 learn new techniques, procedures, processes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint. 
Willingness to develop skills and proficiency in Western blot image analysis software, Image J, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.
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.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The employee will be exposed to animals, blood borne pathogens, chemicals, fumes, dust, UV light. The employee will perform repetitive motion. The employee will need to lift up to 24 lbs. Personal protective equipment is provided and lab coat is required to be worn in the lab. Gloves, goggles and face shields are provided.

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. 

 Apply online at jobs.cse.edu