Research Assistant 1

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 13 days ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

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 $17.65 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.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, perform research work in medical and related technical. The Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in medical and related technical integrating multiple systems immunology tools, such as immunology, single cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics. The research projects are to understand host-microbe interactions that contribute to human reproductive health and disease. The research team collaborates with international partners in Africa, Europe, and Canada. The research assistant will work with mice. The research assistant may perform mouse basic husbandry, genotyping, research procedures including blood and tissue collection, anesthesia, viral or bacterial inoculations, injections, euthanasia, and necropsy.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

  • Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills, including basic laboratory assays, DNA sequencing, flow cytometry, cell sorting, in vitro cell culture (sub-culturing cell lines, analyze cell proliferation patterns, growth rates, etc.), in vivo mouse models, Western blots, DNA analysis, PCR, liquid chromatography, ELISA, mass spectrometry, and other compatible assays. The research assistant may perform mouse basic husbandry, genotyping, research procedures including blood and tissue collection, anesthesia, viral or bacterial inoculations, injections, euthanasia, and necropsy. (55%) 
  • Conduct analysis of samples in flow cytometry, proteomics, metabolomics, or microbiome. (10%)
  • Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Record data and create reports on activities to present at lab meetings. (10%) 
  • Maintain records of all activities including protocols, data, etc.  (7%)
  • Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments including flow cytometer, sequencers, and mass spectrometer. (7%)
  • Order laboratory supplies. to maintain inventory for daily work including sample preparation, tissue culture, flow cytometry, DNA analysis.  (7%)

    • NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

    Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

     

    CONTACTS Department: Daily contact with senior research personnel and principal investigator regarding project activities. Frequent contact department administration to maintain workflow. 

    University: Occasional contact with other researchers and collaborating departments regarding on-going project and lab activities. 

    External: Occasional contact with vendors, IRB, other collaborating institutions regarding supplies and equipment needs. 

    Students: Occasional contact with students to explain data, techniques, etc., and to maintain workflow.

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

    This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS 

  • Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within immunology, single cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics. 
  • 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. 
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
  • Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter. Ability to meet consistent attendance. 
  • Good/strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.   
  • Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. 
  • Excellent customer service skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships and address the potential and current needs of customers. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. 
  • Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making. 
  • 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. 
  • Previous experience working with animals preferred. 

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    The employee will work mostly in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) facilities and will use infectious materials, and general chemicals. This job will include the use of mouse models and will include handling of biological specimens that may be infected with HIV, HSV-2, malaria, TB, and other pathogens. May lift up to 24 lbs. This position may provide opportunities for international travel and presentations at international conferences. 

    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.

    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.

    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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