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, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out experiments to study molecular mechanisms underlying proinflammatory and immune signal transduction that leads to regulated cell death. Most projects involve experiments using different types of primary leukocytes (white blood cells) isolated from the bone marrow or spleens of mice with different genetic backgrounds. These primary cells require isolation from the mice and then maintenance in short-term tissue culture. Other studies involve established mammalian cell lines (mouse and human) that are grown in tissue culture. The research assistant should be proficient in a wide range of basic techniques used in modern biochemistry, cellular immunology, and molecular biology. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans; isolate, purify and characterize primary neutrophils and macrophages from mice of different genetic strains. (20%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Maintain primary cell cultures of the different leukocyte cell types. Maintain established hematopoietic cell lines (murine and human). Make and maintain stock solutions of cell culture media used for the studies. (20%)
• Manage animal resources used in experiments by keeping detailed records of animal inventory, maintain mouse breeding colonies, setting up and checking breeding pairs for litters and separating cages at time of weaning. (15%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. These experiments will characterize the intracellular signaling pathways that mediate different modes of regulated inflammatory cell death and release of inflammatory cytokines by neutrophils and macrophages. The experimental assays will involve: (a) basic cell biological methods (cell fractionation, preparation of cell extracts, measurement of basic cell function such as intracellular levels of ions); and (b) basic biochemistry (immune precipitation, enzyme-linked immunoassays, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting and a various types of chromatography). (20%)
• Collect, organize and analyze research data for presentation in laboratory meetings. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee inventory and standard operating procedures, maintain lab records. Maintain equipment, prepare buffer/media/reagents and dispose biohazardous waste. (5%)
• Train new staff; direct the work of students. (3%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with faculty and investigators to discuss research, research education, direction, goals and time management. Frequent contact with laboratory employees to collaborate on common research projects.

University: Occasional contact with other faculty in the university to provide updates on common collaborative research projects. Occasional contact with core university facilities for experimentation. Maintenance of strong relationships with core managers for research collaborations.

External: Frequent contact with research collaborators from other institutions to communicate the results of experiments.

Students: Occasional contact with students to assist with research projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibilities. Train new staff and direct the work of new students performing research rotations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelors degree in a biological science and 1 to 3 years experience in a biological research laboratory setting, or Associates degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required. Previous experience in cellular immunology-based research preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology, and fundamental immunology.
• Prior experience with cell culture and basic biochemical, cell biological and immunological methods.
• Previous experience working with small lab animals preferred, but training will be available for individuals without prior animal use training.
• 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.
• Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Centers mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
• Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.
• Strong organization skills; ability to maintain a laboratory notebook, keep careful records and write research reports with attention to scientific detail.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to effectively operate basic molecular and cellular biology laboratory equipment.
• Ability to problem-solve effectively and assist in the development and implementation of alternative solutions as needed. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision making.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Technical competence with software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and scientific graphics packages (such as Prism) is strongly preferred. Ability to learn and apply software programs and applications as needed.
• Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc. Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to demonstrate 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.
• Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Cell culture labs with tissue culture hoods and sterile lab benches; working on a bench with molecular reagents and/or isolated tissues, working with mice/other animal models/and bacterial cells in the laboratory and in the animal facility; working in front of a computer for several hours, working outside standard working days or hours as required. The employee will work with frequent interruptions and distractions. There may be exposure to research specific chemicals, and the employee will need to take Chemical Safety Training. Required personal protective equipment may include a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. May have limited exposure to chemical or biological hazards with specific training and prior notice.

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 School of Medicine 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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