Senior Research Assistant 1

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 $19.32 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 Senior Research Assistant 1 will carry out research projects according to specific instruction. The senior research assistant will be responsible for contributing to the daily function of the laboratory, including the organization, performance, and analysis of molecular biology and cell-based experiments, maintenance of mouse colonies used in models of cardiac arrest and collection of tissues after surgery, assisting senior lab staff and trainees, maintenance of personal laboratory trainings and certifications, and lab-wide regulatory compliance. Research will be conducted at both the Case Western Reserve University Wolstein Research Building and the research laboratories of the Veterans Administration Hospital Campus in University Circle. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Carry out experiments according to specific instructions. Assist with planning experiments. Perform molecular biology and basic science experiments (i.e. Western blotting, PCR, flow cytometry, microscopy) based on cell culture and animal tissues. Maintain cell culture and support senior scientist and principal investigator experiments. (40%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. May conduct specific experiments and tasks independently. Organize samples and analyze data in order to contribute to larger projects. Provide interpretation of data and suggest potential improvements to techniques and procedures. This includes evaluation of and interpretation of molecular and microscopy experiments requiring use of excel and graphpad software suites. (20%)
• Collaborate with lab staff and principal investigator to maintain animal colonies and assist with tissue collection. Must handle mice and conduct basic animal husbandry, assist with surgical planning and tissue collection, and aid in animal genotyping. (15%)
• Manage supplies of the lab, including inventory and submitting orders as requested. Assist with inventory and purchasing under guidance of senior scientist and principal investigator. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain certain equipment and/or facilities, including basic lab organization and troubleshooting of lab equipment. (5%)
• May assist in training new staff and students on lab operations and maintenance; direct the work of students and help support undergraduate compliance and research efforts. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned; assist with sample shipping and receiving and collaboration with other laboratories. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with principal investigator and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects. Frequent contact with administrative staff to exchange information.

University: Regular contact with other labs for collaboration; regular contact with the Animal Resource Center and other departments to exchange information.

External: Frequent contact with supply vendors, other institutions, and funding agencies, etc. to exchange information.

Students: Regular contact with undergraduate and graduate student employees working on research projects in the lab.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. May assist in training new staff and direct the work of undergraduate students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelors degree and 6 months of related experience or Associates degree in an approved biotechnology program and 1 year of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures including molecular biology experience with familiarity in fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, flow cytometry, PCR, ELISA.
• Good organization and prioritization skills.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred. Prior experience with animal studies and knowledge of animal husbandry and care.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• 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 techniques.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Must demonstrate compliance with 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.
• Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards including chemical, extreme temperatures, mice, human cell lines, light and noise exposures. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

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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