Research Assistant 3

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

Job Description:

Job Description


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POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Research Assistant 3 will work under limited supervision and coordinate research work focused on hormone signaling in the immune system. This position will contribute to research designed to test the role of estrogens, progestins, and androgens in cells of the immune system during pregnancy and in settings of chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease. - Key responsibilities will include management of experimental animal colonies; acquisition of human tissue samples; general laboratory upkeep including ordering, and standard cellular and molecular biology assays such as sterile cell culture, nucleic acid isolation, and protein analysis. This position will work with animals and human tissues.
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. These will include maintaining experimental animal colonies (inspecting breeding colonies regularly, maintaining electronic records of all animals, and performing PCR-based genotyping), and acquiring discarded human tissue samples for research (including identifying patients appropriate for the study, obtaining informed consent, and collecting tissue samples in a clinical or hospital environment). (40%) Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Perform complex research which may include in vivo murine techniques, interaction with human patients, and in vivo/in vitro techniques as needed (including tissue harvest/isolation, sterile cell culture, flow cytometry, PCR, and western blot). (20%) - Work closely with the principal investigator. Work closely with the principal investigator to manage research studies, design and perform individual experiments, and resolve questions. (10%) - Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Develop and optimize techniques for short- and long-term culture of human immune cells isolated from the intestine and term placenta. (6%) - Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data. Perform analysis of data (gene and protein expression data; FACS analysis; cell culture analysis). Optimize and troubleshoot procedures. Maintain experimental records on all activities, including sample logs, protocols, data, etc. (6%). May supervise students and technicians. Train new staff and students regarding standard laboratory policies and research techniques. (6%) May monitor the laboratory budget. Oversee lab inventory and order supplies as needed. (6%)

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NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
May co-author research projects. Participate in manuscript writing, co-author research projects and abstracts, and provide data to the principal investigator for presentations, manuscripts, progress reports and grants. (3%) Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

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CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.
University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information, including collaborators in other departments and staff in core facilities (for example, flow cytometry core and animal resource facility).
External: Occasional contact with clinical staff at local hospitals to collaborate in specimen collection.
Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.
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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise students and technicians
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QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.
Education/Licensing: Bachelor of Science degree required.
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REQUIRED SKILLS -
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of biomedical research. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Ability to operate laboratory equipment. Ability to meet consistent attendance. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and patients face to face. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals. Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU 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. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. - Must handle animals with care and respect at all times. Previous experience working with animals preferred.

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WORKING CONDITIONS
This position will work in a general laboratory environment. There are regular exposures to animals and biohazards (human samples). Approximately 4 to 6 hours per week will be spent in a clinical/hospital environment, identifying and consenting patients for sample collection.
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 medical school 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.
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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 , Research Assistant 3, Other , Solon, Ohio