Health Care Researcher

Company: Case Western Reserve University
Location: Chardon
Posted on: November 26, 2022

Job Description:

Job Description


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POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will perform research work in the CASE Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory (CASE-BML) to advance new solutions in sickle cell anemia in-vitro diagnostics and blood cell biomechanics. The project involves working with a newly developed novel microfluidic assay that allows rapid, preprocessing free, and standardized interrogation of red blood cells and white blood cells. The project will include experiments aiming at the characterization of cellular adhesive events in sickle cell disease patients and correlate them to the patient's clinical state and response to treatment. The research assistant will be involved in planning the research studies and collection of patient samples and analysis of project data.
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Plan and carry out research involving blood samples from human subjects, maintain laboratory reagents including buffers and medias, and study cellular adhesion in SCD blood samples. (30%) Conduct a series of experiments using a newly developed microfluidic assay that allows rapid, preprocessing free, and standardized interrogation of red blood cells and white blood cells. Also, conduct experiments aiming at the characterization of cellular adhesive events in sickle cell disease patients and correlate them to the patient's clinical state and response to treatment. (30%) Assist in developing methods for Hemoglobin testing. (10%) Collect and analyze data, charts, and slides from experimental data for purposes of reporting. (10%)

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NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Maintain the lab's microscopes and laser cutter and make sure repairs are reported and performed in a timely manner. (5%) Oversee inventory. Prepare solutions and buffers. Order reagents and other laboratory supplies. Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with EHS, disposal of hazardous waste. (5%) Train new staff and undergraduate researchers on experimental protocols. (5%) Arrange communications and meetings with off-campus collaborators as needed (4%) Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

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CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with supervisor for the purpose of discussing project related issues and regular meetings to discuss project progress.
University: Occasional contact with other departments including School of Medicine, University Hospital (Clinical Core Lab, Seidman outpatient lab) for the purpose of collecting patient data and sending the samples for analysis using the gold standard methods.
External: Contact external collaborators for the purpose of exchanging information and experimental protocols and regulations
Students: Contact with graduate student researchers in the lab for the purpose of organizing sample collection and gold standard lab testing for their experiments.
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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.
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QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: Bachelor's 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. Strong background in Biology/Biochemistry and medical technology testing is preferred.
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REQUIRED SKILLS -
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of biology/biochemistry and blood testing. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

Ability to conduct established experimental protocols and provide feedback for further improvement of the protocols. Ability to operate laboratory equipment. This includes the ability to operate advanced microscopes, centrifuge, autoclave, laser cutter, sonicator. Ability to meet consistent attendance. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. Must have knowledge in testing of biological samples and use of newly developed medical technology. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data. Must have the ability to willingly learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.

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WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards, and blood borne pathogens as blood samples collected from patients and healthy donors are routinely used in the experiments. The research assistant will receive proper blood borne pathogens and general lab safety training, as well as training for lab specific safety measures. In rare cases, may be requested to work overtime and weekends for experiments as needed for the progress of ongoing laboratory projects. -




Diversity Statement


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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


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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


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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.

Keywords: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland , Health Care Researcher, Healthcare , Chardon, Ohio