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Health Care Researcher

Employer
Case Western Reserve University
Location
Akron, OH
Closing date
Apr 2, 2023

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Sector
Other
Organization Type
Corporate
Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Research Assistant 4 will coordinate major activities in medical and related technical areas. The research assistant will investigate the movement of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and nitrogen (N2) through the plasma membrane, including through protein channels in the membrane. The research assistant will coordinate research projects studying the gas permeability of red blood cell (RBC) membranes. The research assistant will conduct experiments to isolate RBCs from blood collected from various mammalian species including mice, cows and humans. These will be used in stopped-flow experiments to determine O2 or CO2 permeability, Image Stream flow cytometry to determine size and shape, and measurements of the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. The research assistant will make erythrocyte ghosts for proteomic and lipidomic mass spectrometry analyses. Other duties include generating physiological solutions, supporting laboratory staff and assisting with laboratory maintenance. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Coordinate major activities of laboratory/research to quantify the transmembrane flux CO2, or O2 via aquaporins, Rhesus proteins, and other candidate gas channel proteins expressed in red blood cell membranes. (18%)
  2. Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures of a non-routine nature to: prepare and submit erythrocyte ghost samples for submission to Mass Spectrometry cores for proteomic and lipidomic analyses; and to quantify the size and shape of red blood cells from different species, or from different strains of mice using Image Stream Flow cytometry. Teach or instruct others in research techniques. (35%)
  3. Analyze and process all data acquired from experiments for presentation to the principal investigator. Devise new protocols and techniques and develop refined strategies for data acquisition and analysis involving a high degree of skill and training. Evaluate adequacy of techniques, study and test new procedures. May monitor lab budget. (15%)
  4. Provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects, involving transmembrane flux on gases via "gas channels." (10%)
  5. Co-author research projects. Expectation that candidate will contribute to scientific publications. (10%)
  6. Assist in developing procedures. Work on developing the same methodology to CO2 and O2 fluxes. Coordinate information with others as needed. (6%)


NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. May supervise research assistants and technicians. Train rotating students through the lab in this area. (5%)
  2. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)


CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research results and any issues that need to be resolved and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Occasional contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise research assistants and technicians in the context of training for complex tasks requiring a high degree of skill to ensure completion of specific projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree in science required.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  1. Mastery of concepts related to physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology; familiarity with related technical procedures and proficiency in operating related laboratory equipment critical.
  2. Prior experience with stopped flow, flow-cytometry or handling rodents is preferred.
  3. Previous experience working with animals is preferred.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Technical competence with software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and scientific graphics package (such as Origin) is strongly preferred. Ability to learn and apply software programs and applications as needed.
  7. Ability to learn and assist in development of new and/or novel techniques/procedures to further the goals of research projects.
  8. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment in order to meet the demands of shifting priorities, project goals, and timelines.
  9. Precision in execution of work with reproducible results; a high level of attention to scientific detail and documentation of data is essential.
  10. Ability to listen to instructions and follow established guidelines to perform job functions.
  11. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
  12. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
  13. Ability to meet consistent attendance.


WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee will work in a general physiology lab with limited time in the animal research center. Potential hazards include; common laboratory chemicals and handling of animals and tissue specimens. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. Adherence to Institutional guidelines on laboratory safety is expected.

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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