Research Assistant 2 (Cytometry & Microscopy)

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 projects in accordance with general plans the Research Assistant 2 ensures smooth, professional operation of the Cytometry & Microscopy Shared Resource. The research assistant will assist and perform shared resources users in cytometric or microscopic data acquisition and data analysis and /or cell sorting services. The research assistant will assist in conducting experiments in case the shared resource has users asking for a full service. Maintain Core instruments within manufacturers specifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans. This includes providing technical expertise on operating instruments to shared resources users (graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, full professors, clinicians, and any other investigator that access the core) for both cell sorting and data acquisition. (20%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. This will involve working with select shared resources users to perform the processing, staining, execution, and analysis of projects. These studies will contribute directly to manuscripts and grants for shared resources users. Perform research work in cell sorting services. (15%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. This involves assisting in the development and refinement of techniques and procedures to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of data acquisition for shared resources users. (15%)
• Collect and analyze data. This will be quality control/maintenance and performance test data for cytometers, cell sorters, or related instruments within the shared resources and validating electronically logged usage time on all instruments prior invoicing. It will also involve collecting and processing cytometry data for shared resources users. Perform limited data analysis on flowJo software (15%)
• Oversee inventory and maintain equipment. This will include monitoring instruments sign-up schedules using iLab and cytocore email. Maintaining Core consumable inventory, order supplies, and make all reagents as needed. Maintain the scanner on the third floor. (20%)
• Train new staff and direct the work of students. In addition to staff, training will be provided to users to operate instruments, develop working instrument protocols and call to open service contract (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

Perform other duties assigned (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with other shared resources Staff to maintain workflow. Occasional contact with shared resources Director (Faculty) and Cancer Center financial administrators to share information and maintain workflow.

University: Continuous contact with shared resources users to provide with daily operations; including Graduate Students, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Research Assistant, Research Associates, Instructors, Staff Scientists, Assistant Professors, Full Professors, Medical Students, Clinicians, and any other investigators that access the shared resources.

External: Periodic contact with users from outside the institution. Periodic contact with company representatives 9services engineers, salespeople, and experts) of companies the manufacture the SHARED RESOURCE instruments.

Students: Periodic, but variable contact, with users that are primarily graduate students. No formal (class shared resource room) teaching is associated with this position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

QUALIFICAITONS

Education and 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 SKILLS

• Knowledge and understanding of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within biology, cytometry and microscopy.
• Ability to perform essential functions of the position.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Good interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals within the department, School and University, and with individuals outside the University.
• Good organization skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize and attention to detail. Ability and desire to complete tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to coordinate several projects. Commitment to high quality and user satisfaction.
• Capacity to learn rapidly and work effectively with supervision that reduces to a minimum over time.
• Capacity to work collaboratively within a team.
• Must have a strong work ethic. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve, demonstrating good judgment and logical decision-making within the scope of the learned set.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline. Must be flexible and respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly an efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
• Ability to follow-through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up appropriate individuals as needed.
• Strong information technology skills; ability to work with complex software.
• Ability to interpret instructions and absorb established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate basic and complex laboratory equipment such as BD Biosciences LSR II, Life Sciences Attune NxT, BD Biosciences LSRFortessa, Amnis Image Stream, BD Biosciences Aria-SORP, BD Biosciences Symphony S6
• Technical competence with software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc.), database applications, and with internet navigation. Ability to learn and apply software programs and applications as needed.
• Must be able learn and perform all safety functions for blood-borne pathogens, chemical.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. Exposure to animal and human cells, tissues, and fluids, chemicals, radiation, and lasers. Will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, coat and eyewear and perform all duties in a safe manner. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

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.

.