Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. The lab focuses on how early-life stressors, including preterm birth, alter the response of the immune system to bacterial antigens. The overarching goal of the lab is to understand the mechanisms underlying the high mortality rate in neonatal gram-negative sepsis. This position will involve animal handling, primarily mouse and rat, as well as strict adherence to IACUC and IRB protocols and procedures. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Conduct planned experiments or experiments in collaboration with other groups from start to finish. Techniques used in the lab are animal tissue procurement and animal injections, animal euthanasia using isoflurane, protein and RNA isolation, PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, histology and tissue staining, and immune cell staining for flow cytometric analysis. (40%)
Plan and carry out experiments with the principal investigator in accordance with general plans. Complete proposed aims of the studies along with preliminary data gathering for future studies based on testable hypotheses. Schedule experiments, conduct power analysis needed to get statistical significance, obtain quotes, order supplies and animals if needed, set up breeding pairs of animals if needed, and ensure all experimental and biological controls have been accounted for. (20%) 
Collect and analyze data. All data upon completion of proposed experiments are expected to be collected in a timely fashion from original instruments and servers and uploaded to the lab¿s institutional shared drive or lab hard disk within 7 days. Proper analysis of all data, including imaging analysis, statistical analysis, interpretation and creation of PowerPoint images to show the data, along with all raw data and analysis at lab meetings, is expected within 30 days of completion of original experiment. (15%) 
May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Troubleshoot and improve current and future lab protocols and methods of data analysis, as well as tissue procurement. (7%)
Oversee inventory. Keep a proper stock of all lab supplies and animal inventory, make buffers and medias, ensure that all chemicals are organized according to Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard classifications. Ensure that supplies are ordered from reputable vendors with cost-effective pricing, that all laboratory equipment is functional, and organize servicing or repair of equipment if needed. (7%)
Train new staff; direct the work of students. Oversee undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University and ensure that all training requirements are met. Organize schedules around planned lab experiments, train students on new experimental procedures and troubleshoot experiments on a regular basis. (7%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. Ensure all required Environmental Health and Safety and IACUC training is up to date and complete all required modules on the proper university time schedule. (4%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow and conduct proposed experiments and troubleshoot experiments.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Daily contact with students to exchange information and perform experiments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. The position will entail supervision of undergraduate students who work in the lab. 

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 wet lab techniques and bioinformatics, along with some proficiency in molecular biology techniques. Proficiency in flow cytometry and/or sequencing analysis will be favored highly. 
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. 
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
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 Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center¿s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times. 
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
Ability to work with live animals, mice and rat species, and inject and euthanize them and collect tissue for experiments. 
Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, western blotting, cell culture is highly desirable/required.
Experience with immune cell staining and flow cytometry and subsequent analysis is highly desirable. 
Experience with bioinformatic analysis and sequencing tools is highly desirable.
Ability to maintain strict and complete lab notebook with detailed recording of all data and experiments. 
Ability to meet deadlines for presentations and manuscripts. 
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for animal handling and manipulations. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with one shared fume hood for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. There will be handling of hazardous substances including biohazard and toxins, and the employee should strictly adhere to all university-mandated policies for lab safety, biohazard, and hazard communication, including yearly training. The cell culture room nearby is equipped with incubators, culture hood, and microscope. Access to a multi-color Flow Cytometer is in the Case Western Reserve University Core in Wolstein Building. Major physical demands include transferring animals between the lab and the animal holding facility, maintaining the animal colonies, as well as weekly changes of mouse cages. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

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 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.