Research Assistant 1

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $17.65 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, perform research work in medical and related technical. The Research Assistant 1 with a genetics/genomics background will perform data analysis using multi-omics approaches. The Research Assistant will also perform wet lab work in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, involving the use of lab/research skills involving mouse breeding, behavioral testing of mice, and surgical procedures in mice. Other work includes Western blotting and cell cultures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform research work in medical and related technical areas that involves the use of lab skills. The research assistant will perform data analysis on public/lab datasets for scRNA-seq and proteomics results in neurodegenerative diseases (40%)
• Conduct analysis of samples and series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. The research assistant will perform research work in mouse models by breeding mice, tattooing or ear tagging mice, genotyping mouse tails by PCR and Real-time PCR, maintaining mouse databases (35%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods, or procedures for maintaining primary fibroblasts and cell line culture. Will help in improving tissue staining by immunohistochemistry and protein detection by Western blotting. The research assistant will collect and analyze data using cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as mammalian cell cultures, Western blotting, tissue, and cell staining. (10%)
• Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Maintain records of experiments that are clear and in organized databases of laboratory reagents (i.e. antibodies, plasmids, etc). Maintain a chemical inventory in compliance with EHS and order laboratory supplies. Ensure that all laboratory documentation is updated and organized in compliance with Biosafety requirements. Order laboratory supplies. (5%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Perform routine checks on instruments to ensure instruments are in working order. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with lab members to collaborate on experiments.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

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

Students: Moderate contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelors degree in biology, chemistry, or related field and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associates degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• 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.
• Skills in molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including PCR genotyping, mammal cell culture, and Western blotting.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, light microscopes, balances, pH meters, incubators, etc.
• Must demonstrate compliance with university animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance with regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space. Ample desk space with computers is also provided. The lab is equipped with one fume hood for the storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. The cell culture room is equipped with incubators, a culture hood, and a microscope. May be required to use personal protective equipment, including a standard lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses when appropriate. The position may lift up to 24 lbs.

Case Western Reserve Universitys 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.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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