Research Assistant 2

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 $19.41 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, plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans related to the human microbiome. The Lewin Lab studies the role of the oral and vaginal microbiome in human health, with a focus on understanding how these organisms interact with each other and with their host. This Research Assistant 2 position will advance research projects with the goal to understand the behavior of bacteria and fungi in the human oral cavity. This project is primarily computational, involving the analysis of RNA sequencing data (metatranscriptomics). Additional opportunities may include opportunities to use complementary computational or wet-lab approaches to study microbes associated with the oral cavity, female reproductive tract, or other polymicrobial sites. Key responsibilities will include sequencing data analysis and interpretation, facilitation of collaborations, contributing to mentoring and training of students, and general lab support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out the human microbiome project in accordance with general plans. Research is focused on bioinformatic analyses to characterize the physiology of the oral microbiota (bacterial and fungal components), working closely with the principal investigator. Studies include but are not limited to RNA-seq analysis and comparative genomics. Be able to evaluate parameters, perform validation approaches, and interrogate the underlying biological interpretation of findings. Collect and analyze data. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. (50%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Develop and update pipelines for data analysis approaches, primarily focused on transcriptomics and genomics. (10%)
• Create figures and reports on activities to present at lab meetings, at conferences, and for publications. (10%)
• Oversee inventory and assist with ordering and lab support. (10%)
• Train new staff; direct the work of students. Train students and staff in computational approaches, data analysis, and other techniques related to microbiology and sequencing approaches. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate data integration with research collaborators (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous (daily) contact with principal investigator and with other research personnel regarding project activities. Occasional contact with department administration to maintain workflows.

University: Occasional contact with researchers in other departments regarding collaborative projects and to share information.

External: Moderate contact with collaborators at outside research institutions to facilitate public sharing of data. Infrequent contact with vendors regarding supplies.

Students: Frequent contact with students in the lab setting. Supporting mentorship for students in the lab, training on approaches, informally explaining data, techniques, etc., and maintaining workflows.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelors degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associates degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within microbiology, bioinformatics, and/or related disciplines.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Preferred experience with operating laboratory equipment and working on a high-performance computing cluster. Training will be provided in specific computational and wet-lab techniques as necessary. Must be willing to learn new techniques.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment like microscopes, flowmeters
• 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. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face. Excellent communication skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships, address the needs of the PI and lab members, and mentor students and technicians. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
• Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
• Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.
• Ability to ensure laboratory safety.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. The employee will work mostly in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) facilities and will be exposed to infectious materials and general chemicals. This job may rarely include handling of human biological specimens that may be infected with viral or bacterial pathogens. This position may provide opportunities for travel, including presentations at domestic and international conferences.

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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