Research Assistant 3

Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the research assistant 3 will coordinate research work in biomedical environment to define the involvement of specific genes in allergic asthma. The research assistant will utilize genetically-modified mice to induce allergic asthma, and quantify its effects on airway function in live mice. Mouse tissues will be harvested for biochemical assessments to support in vivo phenotypes. Data and materials will be shared with a multisite program project grant (PPG) group with the overall objective of understanding how protein S-nitrosylation contributes to and protects from asthma in mouse models, and comparing this to data from human-derived biopsy samples and human primary cells. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate laboratory research activities. Follow approved animal protocol and standard workflow to induce asthma-like state in mice. Perform mouse surgery to install ventilator system, and measure airway reaction to bronchoconstrictor and bronchorelaxant drugs to quantify lung dysfunction. Isolate bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for assessment of immune cell infiltration into lung. Isolate mouse tissues to perform histology staining for lung integrity and biochemical assays to measure protein levels (western blot) and S-nitroso-protein levels (SNO-RAC). Utilize samples from human primary airway epithelial and smooth muscle cells to validate findings in mice. Maintain ongoing records of work and analysis performed (lab notebook) and maintain archive of all data generated. (72%)
2. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data. Troubleshoot issues with techniques and analysis. Compare results across multiple experiments and distinct mouse models to assure consistency and understand differences. Devise and test new techniques and evaluate new target proteins identified in other aspects of the PPG. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Work closely with the principal investigator and with supervising investigator, keeping them informed of progress and difficulties. (5%)
2. Supervise students and technicians, specifically training in techniques and overseeing their use. (5%)
3. Organize overall research work and recent progress in summary presentations for oral/visual presentation to local research group at regular meetings and to the off-site members of the PPG in regular meetings. May co-author research projects, providing assistance in data analysis and interpretation, in detailed recordkeeping of procedures and results, and in written descriptions of methods and results in manuscripts. (5%)
4. Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with principle investigator and/or direct supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow. Weekly research group lab meetings with other lab members.

University: Rare contact with other departments to share information.

External: Regular contact with other members of multisite PPG group to exchange information (regular biweekly meeting, annual PPG meeting), and with PPG core facilities as needed to share materials (typically human cells or cell lysates) and data.

Students: Contact with student employees to supervise and to exchange information, could vary from none to daily.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required. Rodent handling experience for at least 1 year preferred. Prefer experience with rodent asthma models, mouse surgery, and flexiVent or similar ventilator system.

Education: Bachelor's degree in a natural science-relevant field required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures in biochemistry (particularly western blotting), in animal handling and surgery (flexi-Vent experience a plus), and in asthma models in mice.
2. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
3. Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
4. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
5. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. Will work extensively with laboratory mice. May have exposure to hazards, particularly including dust mite allergens used for allergic asthma modeling in mice.

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.