Health Care Researcher

Job Description
Position Objective

The Research Assistant 3 will work under limited supervision to coordinate research work related to studies investigating the role of signal transduction regulation in cardiovascular and kidney health and disease. The research assistant will work closely with other lab members and focus on research involving integrative physiology characterization of the cardiovascular and renal systems in health and disease using animal models. The research assistant will perform a wide array of whole animal physiology, and cellular and molecular biology experiments using microsurgery, organ harvesting, gel electrophoresis, western blots, bacterial transformation and culture, and other in vitro techniques. This position will utilize excellent problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills to assist the principal investigator with laboratory management. This position will work with animals.

Essential Functions

1. Work closely with the principal investigator to coordinate research activities that characterize in vivo cardiovascular and renal function utilizing radiotelemetry, ex vivo vessel preparation, and small animal ultrasound echocardiography and sonography. Work on vessel contractility setup with molecular reagents and/or vascular tissues, and work with animal models/and bacterial and freshly isolated primary cells in the laboratory. (30%)
2. Carry out general molecular biology, including design and implement cloning strategies, PCR, mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, gel purification, plasmid preparation, bacterial transformation, protein biochemistry, bacterial culture, western blotting, and expression and purification of recombinant proteins. (20%)
3. Devise new protocols and techniques for primary cell isolation, heterologous gene expression, and studies in cultured cells that involve a high degree of skill and training. Carry out complex research experiments of a non-routine nature to characterize protein-protein interaction and cellular localization properties of recombinant regulatory proteins with a variety of pharmacological and chemical biology ligands using various molecular and biochemical methods, including but limited to co-localization immunofluorescence assays, cell fractionation and immunoprecipitation, sample preparation for proteomics and next generation sequencing, etc. (25%)
4. Evaluate adequacy of biochemical techniques, study and test new procedures, collect and analyze data, maintain lab records, provide feedback on experimental design, prepare and present research results in lab meetings. (15%)
5. Assist in manuscript preparation and editing. May co-author research projects. (6%)

NonEssential Functions

1. May supervise students and technicians. (1%)
2. Maintain equipment, prepare buffer/media/reagents, and dispose biohazardous waste. Oversee inventory, standard operating procedures, and monitor laboratory budget. (2%)
3. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Weekly contact with investigators to discuss research, research education, direction, goals and time management. Frequent contact with laboratory employees in collaboration in common research project.

University: Occasional interaction with other faculty in the department and the university to provide updates on common collaborative research projects. Utilize core university facilities for experimentation and maintain strong relationship with core mangers for research collaborations.

External: Occasional communication with research collaborators from other institutions regarding common research projects.

Students: Occasional contact with students to assist with student research projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

No direct supervisory responsibilities. May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience required. Experience with molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques such as cell culture, cloning, protein isolation, expression, and purifications preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related scientific field required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in chemistry, physics, biochemistry and molecular/cellular biology and in vivo cardiovascular function.
2. Experience with computer programming and molecular dynamic simulation preferred.
3. Able to perform various molecular biology techniques.
4. Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.
5. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail.
9. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
10. Ability to effectively operate basic molecular and cellular biology laboratory equipment
11. Ability to problem-solve effectively and assist in the development and implementation of alternative solutions as needed. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.
12. Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively within a team.
13. Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc. Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
14. Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
15. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.
16. Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.
17. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

Working Conditions

Working conditions will require working on a vessel contractility setup, working on a bench with molecular reagents and/or vascular, cardiac, or kidney tissues, working with animal models/and bacterial cells in the laboratory, working in front of a computer for several hours, working outside standard working days or hours as required. The employee will work with frequent interruptions and distractions. There may be exposure to research specific chemicals and the employee will need to take Chemical Safety Training. Required personal protective equipment may include a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. May have 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.

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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.