Senior Research Assistant

Company: Case Western Reserve University
Location: Lorain
Posted on: January 26, 2023

Job Description:

Salary Grade


-

Salary Grade 12 and staff working 40 hours per week
To view salary ranges or Salary Administration Attachments, please copy and paste the following address in your web browser: https://www.case.edu/finadmin/humres/compensation/restricted/salaryadmin.html
**Requires a valid Case network ID and password to access.
.




Job Description


-

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work that focuses on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying aggressive forms of breast cancer(s). The research assistant will maintain cell cultures, assist with the ongoing animal experiments, and carry out experiments using Molecular Biology techniques including cloning, and CRISPR/Cas9. The research assistant will perform data analysis and may co-author on laboratory publications. This position will work with animals as well as mouse and human tissue.
-
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Carry out eukaryotic cell culture and biological experiments independently but with input of other research scientists. The experiments will be in the field of cell and radiobiology, such as measuring cell proliferation rates (cell counting or live cell density monitoring), cell death (apoptosis by flow cytometry, nuclear condensation by microscopy, clonogenic survival, etc.), or immunofluorescence. Maintain cell cultures, including both standard cell propagation and expansion, as well as advanced techniques including plasmid or siRNA transfection, lentivirus infection, invasion/migration assays, and clonogenic survival assays. Carry out experiments as directed utilizing Molecular Biology techniques including cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 and insertional mutagenesis. Conduct in vivo and in vitro radiation experiments using an orthovoltage radiation machine. (24%) Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature - Perform in vivo murine techniques. Specific experimental studies may require mammary fat pad injections and xenograft studies with drug administration to animals. Perform in vitro techniques including flow cytometry, PCR, cell culture, western blot, cell growth, etc. (20%) Work closely with the principal investigator to carry out complex research including administration of medications, chemical reagents, or biologic agents, handling cells, tissues, and animals per IACUC protocols and laboratory methodology. Perform cell culture, tissues harvest and acquisition, DNA/RNA/protein extraction. (20%) Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training; these include characterizing the therapeutic benefit of specific inhibitors on radio sensitization. (10%) Evaluate adequacy of techniques and provide feedback on experimental design; optimize and troubleshoot procedures to comply with expected outcomes. (7%) Train new staff regarding standard laboratory policies as well as basic radiobiology research, and provide support to other research assistants. Keep a clear and complete laboratory notebook. Responsible for cell culture maintenance tasks including water bath and cell culture incubator maintenance, lab ordering, supply re-stocking, and lab tidiness. May monitor the laboratory budget. (10%) May co-author research projects. Participate in manuscript and grant writing, co-author research projects and provide data to the principal investigator for sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, grant and pilot applications. (6%)

-
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Attend departmental functions and perform other duties as assigned. (3%)
-
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with the lab principal investigator regarding research.
University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information on collaborative projects.
External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information and order supplies.
Students: Contact with student employees to provide training or direct research.
-
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. May supervise students and technicians.
-
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required. Working knowledge of biomedical research and cell culture or similar biological experiments with previous lab experience preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree in science required.
-
REQUIRED SKILLS
Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures used in molecular and radiobiology. Knowledge of Molecular Biology techniques including cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 and insertional mutagenesis. Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data. 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. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals. Previous experience working with animals preferred. Ability to rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Ability to operate laboratory equipment. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and FlowJo is a plus. Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer programs as needed. Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, supervisors and students face to face. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

-
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards including routine laboratory chemicals and solvents. 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 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.




Diversity Statement


-

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. - Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
.




Reasonable Accommodations


-

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. - Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity -at 216-368-3066 -to request a reasonable accommodation. - Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
.




COVID Vaccination


-

Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. For more information go to: https://case.edu/equity/covid-19-accommodations. Applicants may contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 /equity@case.edu for information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an accommodation.

Keywords: Case Western Reserve University, Lorain , Senior Research Assistant, Other , Lorain, Ohio