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 $46,035 and $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, coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas. related to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and ALS. The Research Assistant 3 will serve as a senior experimentalist and assist with laboratory management. Key responsibilities include planning and conducting cell culture and molecular biology experiments, maintaining and genotyping mouse lines, performing behavioral testing, processing human and mouse tissues, and supporting laboratory safety and operations. This position involves work with laboratory animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature, including cell culture using human and mouse primary neuron models, primary neuron microdissection, immunostaining, molecular biology assays, microscopy (light, fluorescence, confocal, and live imaging), and data analysis. Maintain accurate laboratory records. (40%)
• Coordinate laboratory research activities and maintain awareness of ongoing projects, staffing needs, and operational priorities. Assist with large-scale phenotyping studies, cell culture assays, human brain tissue bank maintenance, tissue processing, and related research activities. (20%)
• Oversee mouse colony maintenance and behavioral testing. Ensure all mouse lines are properly tracked, maintained, and meet quality standards through periodic quality checks, updated colony records, behavioral testing, data analysis, and communication with project leads. (10%)
• Collaborate closely with the principal investigator to design experiments, interpret results, and refine research strategies. Communicate scientific progress and laboratory operations through meetings and written correspondence. Present research findings and discuss project plans regularly. May co-author research projects. (10%)
• Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Conduct molecular biology experiments, troubleshoot procedures, analyze complex datasets, and perform statistical analyses. Lead assigned projects and support related research activities. (5%)
• Manage the human brain tissue bank, including record maintenance, tissue processing, and preparation and shipment of samples to collaborating laboratories. (4%)
• Coordinate the shipment of biological hazardous materials and maintain required annual hazardous materials shipping certifications. (2%)
• Maintain laboratory hygiene and safety standards, oversee hazardous waste autoclaving, manage inventory records, and ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained. May monitor the laboratory budget. (2%)

NONESSENTIAL

• Contribute to research publications and grant applications, including preparation of figures, methods sections, and data summaries. (4%)
• May supervise students and technicians (2%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily interaction with research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and the principal investigator to support laboratory operations and workflow. Coordinate with the operations manager regarding administrative and operational matters.

University: Occasional interaction with laboratory personnel, department staff, and investigators across Case Western Reserve University to exchange information and coordinate activities.

External: Communicate with vendors and external collaborators regarding supplies, services, and research activities.

Students: Interact with undergraduate and graduate students to support laboratory operations and research activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures of cell culture, molecular biology, tissue processing, and animal research.
• Ability to rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment., including thermocyclers, gel electrophoresis systems, spectrophotometers, microscopes (fluorescence, confocal, and electron), and microtomes.
• 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.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments, the university, and external organizations.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to interact professionally with colleagues, supervisors, and customers in person.
• Ability to demonstrate support and advocacy for students in alignment with university values, mission, and policies regarding conflict of commitment and interest.
• Compliance with university Animal Research and Care (ARC) policies and procedures, the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, and other applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated compassion for animals and commitment to the mission of the Animal Resource Center.
• Willingness and ability to learn new laboratory techniques, procedures, processes, and technologies.
• Previous experience working with laboratory animals preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment with exposure to chemicals and blood-borne pathogens. Laboratory safety and blood-borne pathogen training will be provided. Training in animal models of disease is required and provided. Required personal protective equipment includes a lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses, as appropriate.

Case Western Reserve Universitys animal facilities are accredited by the Associate 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 the School of Medicines 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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