Research Assistant 2

Salary Grade
Salary Grade 10 for staff working 40 hours per week
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Job Description
Position Objective

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out experimental work in accordance with general plans and research protocols to support research studying inflammation in cardiovascular injury and repair and other inflammatory and thrombotic disorders. The experimental work will include in vitro and in vivo models of disease, as well as pharmaceutical development. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and carry out in vitro and in vivo experiments in accordance with general plans. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information. The general cell and molecular biology skills required includes DNA, RNA, protein preparation, Western blot analysis, PCR, RT-PCR, cell culture, ELISA, mouse tissue harvesting, processing, sectioning, and immunohistochemistry staining. (50%)
2. Perform rodent husbandry including breeding, genotyping, and animal colony maintenance, and maintaining an accurate animal database, harvesting tissues and cells from mice. (25%)
3. Record and analyze experiment results, and prepare graphs, charts, and slides from experimental data for purposes of reporting and presentation. (10%)

NonEssential Functions

1. Assist with solution preparation and re-stocking laboratory supplies as needed, and maintain laboratory equipment. Perform maintenance checks (liquid nitrogen tank) as assigned. (5%)
2. Train new staff regarding standard laboratory policies and procedures (SOPs) as well as basic cell and molecular biology and animal research techniques. (5%)
3. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor and lab members to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information and collaborate on projects.

External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information and coordinate tasks such as equipment certification, preventive maintenance and repairs.

Students: Occasional contact with student employees for direct observations and to explain policies and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Trains new staff and interacts with students regarding policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and 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. Previous experience working with animals and skills in routine cell and molecular biology are preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the cell and molecular biology field. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear and maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness to protect the health of the animals. Willingness and ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with ability to operate laboratory equipment.
2. Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and PPT. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
3. Strong organization skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment. Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow-through on assigned projects.
4. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
5. Ability to meet consistent attendance. Expected to work after hours/weekends if required by experiments.
6. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. 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.
7. Must demonstrate compliance with the 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.
8. 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.
9. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines.
10. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
11. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

Working Conditions

General laboratory environment. The laboratory is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for experiments. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. Expected to be conscientious of hazards of different chemicals used as well as animal samples.

Required personal protective equipment includes a laboratory coat, gloves suitable for the types of organisms, chemicals and reagents handled and protective eyewear as appropriate. Ergonomic concerns include regular and repetitive use of a keyboard and pipettes.

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
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.

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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.

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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.