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Senior Research Assistant

Employer
Case Western Reserve University
Location
City, NV
Closing date
Mar 21, 2023

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Sector
Science
Organization Type
Corporate
Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work and establish at least two different animal models in the lab. The research assistant will use tagged mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to determine where they go in the models and how their location correlates with their activity. Determine the dose range of MSCs and frequency of treatments required to obtain therapeutic advantages. In the metastasis models, the research assistant will carry out animal implantations, cancer cell delivery and bioluminescent imaging (BLI) analysis. Develop in vitro models to assess mechanisms of cancer cell invasion and MSCs therapeutic potential. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. This will include biochemical and histological analysis of cells and tissues; complex cell culture assays using human cells and molecular biology experiments (lentiviral-mediated stable gene expression-silencing) and perform small animal surgery per IACUC protocols. (35%)
  2. Coordinate laboratory/ research activities regarding the performance of in vivo and in vitro experiments. Maintain accurate and detailed records of research data. (15%)
  3. Work closely with the principal investigator. Generate, organize, and analyze collected data, and create tables and figures for discussion. May co-author research projects. (13%)
  4. Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Develop and optimize techniques to study cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. (6%)
  5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; test new procedures for studying cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions, and analyze data. (6%)
  6. May supervise students and technicians. Provide technical support to other lab members where particular expertise permits. (10%)
  7. May monitor the laboratory budget. Oversee lab inventory and order supplies as needed. (6%)


NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with department supervisors and staff regarding research.

University: Frequent contact with principal investigators, other departments, and Animal Resource Center staff regarding research.

External: Occasional contact with vendors for ordering.

Students: Regular contact with student employees to exchange research information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years related laboratory experience required. Experience with rodents preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree in science or related field required.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  1. Has knowledge and understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the fields of tissue culture, molecular biology and biochemistry.
  2. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  3. Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as thermocycler, spectrophotometer, fluorescence microscope.
  4. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  5. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
  6. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, school and university, and with individuals outside the university.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
  10. Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.
  11. Strong organizational skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow-through on assigned projects.
  12. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
  13. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
  14. Ability to maintain familiarity and demonstrate knowledge of the principle investigator's laboratory, priorities, leadership and programs.
  15. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making.
  16. 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 timeline.
  17. Ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  18. Ability to work independently with limited supervision and collaboratively within a team. Must have a strong work ethic.
  19. Familiarity with the typical policies and procedures of a university research environment.
  20. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (ex: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher), database applications, scientific graphing software, and with internet navigation.
  21. Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed.
  22. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health of the animals.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Standard laboratory working environment. Employee will be exposed to chemicals and blood borne pathogens. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, lab coat and eyewear. Occasional heavy lifting required up to 50lbs. The employee will need to be able to reach above shoulder and perform repetitive motion. The employee will also perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard to type. Occasional travel to attend meetings or to learn new techniques in another laboratory.

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.

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