Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working under general supervision, plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. Research Assistant 2 will perform research to support and conduct mitochondrial-related mechanisms in neurodegeneration. The research assistant will use in vitro and in vivo disease models, pharmaceutical development, and other research tools. The research assistant will also assist in organizing data and participating in the lab meeting. The research assistant will work with mice such as mouse breeding, behavioral testing of mice, and surgical procedures in mice. Other work includes Western blotting and cell cultures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Work in the field of neurodegenerative diseases using cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as microbial cultures, mammalian cell cultures, plasmid preparations, DNA analysis, DNA transfections in mammalian cells, PCR and Real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and quantification and presentation of test results. (70%)
Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. The research assistant will perform research work in mouse models of neurodegenerative disease by breeding mice, tattooing or ear tagging mice, genotyping mouse tails by PCR and Real-time PCR, maintaining mouse databases, surgery (pre-, intra-, and post-operative procedures), behavioral testing (10%)
May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures for maintaining primary fibroblasts and cell line culture. Will help in improving tissue staining by immunohistochemistry and protein detection by Western blotting.  The research assistant will collect and analyze data in the field of neurodegenerative diseases using cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as mammalian cell cultures, Western blotting, tissue and cell stating, and quantification and presentation of test results. This position will also train new staff; and direct the work of students on proper techniques for collecting and analyzing data. (10%) 
Oversee inventory. This position will maintain clear and organized notebooks documenting all procedures and results. Also maintain clear and organized databases of laboratory reagents (i.e. antibodies, plasmids, etc), surgical procedures, and animal genotypes. Maintain a chemical inventory in compliance with Environmental Health & Safety. Ensure that all laboratory documentation is updated and organized in compliance with Biosafety requirements. (5%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

Perform routine checks on instruments to ensure instruments are in working order and communicate with the supervisor and laboratory staff effectively. Train new staff; direct the work of students. (4%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
 

CONTACTS 

Department: Continuous contact with supervisor another other laboratory personnel to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with Biosafety, IACUC, and Animal Research Center to exchange information.

External: Infrequent contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Regular contact with undergraduate and graduate students to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. 
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. 
Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
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. 
Strong skills in molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including PCR genotyping, mammal cell culture, and Western blotting.
Strong skills in mouse breeding, care, sterile surgical techniques, tail snipping, mouse tagging or tattooing, and mouse behavioral testing.
Strong organizational skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow through on assigned projects.
Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the university.
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter). 
Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, Photoshop, and Illustrator. 
Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.
Must have the ability to willingly learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures, and request clarification if necessary. 
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 university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center¿s 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. 
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.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. The lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with one fume hood for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. The cell culture room is equipped with incubators, culture hood and microscope. May be required to use personal protective equipment, including standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. The position may lift up to 24 lbs.  This position will be in contact with live mice and mouse tissues. Biosafety and IACUC training in addition to basic lab standard training will be required.   

Case Western Reserve University's 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.

 
Apply online at jobe.case.edu search for job 14392