Research Assistant 2

Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 position will provide support for Cancer Center Hematopoietic Biorepository and Cellular Therapy Core Facility, including processing of blood samples for banking, support clinical cell manufacturing protocols for clinical cellular therapy trials, compliance with regulatory guidelines, and support of general clinical lab operations

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Conduct lab processes including preparation of blood samples and annotation of blood samples with clinical data, and maintain biorepository samples inventory according to HIPAA laws. (25%)
2. Conduct clinical research using aseptic technique to prepare cellular products for treatment of patients enrolled on clinical trials. (25%)
3. Collect data on patients samples using the UH Clinical Laboratory data systems and analyze clinical information to distribute samples to investigators based on specific parameters. (10%)
4. Ensure compliance of documents related to protection of human subjects and good manufacturing practices. (20%)
5. Develop new procedures for the laboratory under guidance and prepare standard operating procedures. (5%)
6. Oversee lab supply and reagent inventory and place orders accordingly using the university procurement system. Ensure calibration of equipment used for processing cells for clinical use. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Maintain laboratory equipment and other laboratory functions to comply with FDA standards. (5%)
2. Facilitate a normal volunteer pool for blood and bone marrow donations. (4%)
3. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with Cellular Therapy Core Director, Operations Director and Lab RA4 to report progress on activities and to review goals.

University: Occasional contact with Cancer Center administration for ordering and Human Resources related issues.

External: Continuous contact with Seidman Cancer Center Cellular Therapy Lab staff to receive patient cells. Occasional contact with Research Nurses and other clinicians to coordinate sample collection from patients and normal volunteers. Occasional contact with suppliers of lab goods for procurement and qualification of supplies and normal volunteers for procurement of specimens.

Students: Little or no contact with undergraduate and high school students to demonstrate lab techniques

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science 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. The employee expected to obtain protection of human subjects training within 3 months of hire.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge and understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of cell culture and cellular therapy.
2. Ability to perform maintenance of general lab equipment, handling of blood products, aseptic technique, and laboratory math.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
4. Good/Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
5. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships and address the potential and current needs of clinical demands
6. Ability to work effectively, independently and collaboratively within a team.
7. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
8. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.
9. Willingness and ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.
11. Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed.
12. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical laboratory environment that supports clinical research in the Wolstein Research Laboratory. The employee will be expected to be flexible to accommodate patient samples, including occasional overtime. Some heavy lifting of supplies (up to 25 lbs.) is required. This position may have exposure to blood borne pathogens due to blood handling requirement. This position is not eligible for the staff hybrid work program.
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.