Research Assistant 3

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $46,035and $58,234, 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 limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will be responsible for coordinating research activities related to the daily functioning of the lab including the processing and organization of human blood samples and data, design and performance of experiments, training and supervising students and research residents, and maintenance of laboratory trainings, certifications, and regulatory needs. The lab uses patient samples and small animal models to investigate the inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of major trauma. The research assistant will work very closely with collaborating labs, particularly in the performance of whole blood processing, flow cytometry, and RNA isolation. Experience with basic cell and molecular biology techniques is essential. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate laboratory/research activities. Arrange and conduct routine experiments as part of a broader research plan. Support students and other lab members in conducting routine experiments. (30%)
• Work closely with the principal investigator to develop and monitor the broader research plan including establishing goals and timelines. (10%)
• Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature with collaborators across the institution as part of a broader research plan, including ELISAs, ELISPOT, Flow cytometry, and rheologic assays. Work with the universitys core groups to pursue experiments outside of the labs expertise (e.g. proteomics, extracellular vesicle isolation and analysis, electron microscopy). May assist with some animal experiments. (10%)
• Devise new protocols and improved techniques, projection methods or procedures involving a high degree of skill and training related to whole blood processing, flow cytometry, RNA isolation, and molecular biology techniques. This may include adapting existing protocols from collaborating groups and developing new protocols and procedures for the analysis of human blood samples. (10%)
• Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Perform basic statistical analysis using Graphpad, image analysis (e.g. Image J), and flow cytometry analysis (e.g. Flo Jo). (5%)
• May supervise students and technicians. This will include training and supporting medical and undergraduate students in the lab techniques (blood handling, basic molecular biology, cell culture, flow cytometry). (20%)
• May co-author research projects. This includes write ups for methods, data analysis, and production of high quality tables and figures. (5%)
• Monitor laboratory inventory and budget; maintain laboratory trainings and certifications. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor, collaborators and other lab members to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Weekly contact with other departments (UH Anesthesia, UH Emergency Medicine) to collaborate on projects.

External: Weekly contact with collaborating groups (UC Davis, University Hospital Rennes)

Students: Several times a week contact with students to explain procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

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

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelors degree in science.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. These include safe handling of human blood samples, and chemical hazards.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment. This includes pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes, flow cytometer, PCR.
• 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.
• Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes.
• Must be able and willing to work collaboratively with other members of the lab and with collaborating labs both to seek new expertise, and to support other labs with your expertise when needed.
• Strong organization skills and a good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrate attention to details and accuracy, time management skills, and a proven ability to successfully follow through on assigned projects.
• 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 the university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Centers mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment: The lab is a large open floor plan in the Wolstein Research Building. The research assistant will have a dedicated workstation in the lab and dedicated bench space. The position includes frequent handling of human samples, with associated exposure to blood borne pathogens. Personal protective equipment including lab coat, gloves, and goggles will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

Cases 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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