Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will carry out complex research work in the lab, which focuses on gaining a mechanistic understanding into the functional states of glial cells in the gut. The research assistant will serve as a senior experimentalist and some roles of lab manager. Key responsibilities include planning and executing animal experiments, cell culture experiments, genomics such as single nuclei RNA-sequencing and other sequencing experiments, and molecular biology experiments, with the goal of defining the functional roles of glia in the normal gut, how they change in neurological and gastrointestinal diseases and disorders, and how they resist changing across contexts. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature including phenotyping of mouse models, mechanistic work in cell culture models from primary cells, microdissections, microscopy (light, fluorescent, confocal, live imaging, light sheet), human iPSC maintenance and differentiation, immunostainings, molecular biology, genomics experiments, and metabolic assays. Keep results in online lab notebook. (40%)
Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Maintain working knowledge of laboratory projects, including scope, leadership, and staffing needs, in order to identify opportunities for support.  Assist with large¿scale phenotyping experiments, cell culture assays, and other research activities. (20%)
Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Plan and execute animal experiments, cell culture and genomics such as single nuclei RNA-sequencing and optimize approaches for best practices. Follow tasks and troubleshoot / streamline, receiving training and guidance for new techniques as needed. Evaluate and validate adequacy of experimental techniques, study and test new procedures, analyze complex datasets, and perform statistical analysis. Lead assigned projects and assist. (10%)
Oversee mouse colony maintenance and cell line inventory. While researchers manage the mouse colonies associated with their own projects, this role ensures all mouse lines and cell lines are properly accounted for, maintained, and meet quality standards. Responsibilities include performing intermittent quality checks, reviewing colony and cell line status, and communicating with project leads as needed. (10%)
Work closely with the principal investigator to design experiments, interpret results, and refine approaches. Communicate scientific progress and lab business in person and by Slack / email. Seek help from principal investigator and others as needed. Present progress at lab meetings. Meet with principal investigator bi-weekly and show results, data, and go over plans. (6%)
May monitor the laboratory budget, manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering supplies and reagents, tracking inventory, coordinating with the IGS Operations Manager for equipment needs. (6%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

May supervise undergraduate researchers, graduate students, postdocs, and technicians. Train them in performing research experiments and molecular biology experiments. (4%)
May co-author research publications and contribute to grant applications. Assist in preparing figures, method sections, and data summaries. (4%) 
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
 

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and laboratory principal investigator to maintain workflow. Coordinate with the operations manager for operational queries.

University: Occasional contact with other lab personnel, department assistants, and principal investigators from other departments and centers across the Case Western Reserve University campus to exchange information. 

External: Contact with outside vendors to exchange information. 

Students: Contact with laboratory undergraduate and graduate students to maintain laboratory supplies and experiments. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

Experience with cell culture, molecular biology, and mouse work. 
Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills: ability to effectively work with various individuals throughout the department, school, university and individuals external to the university.
Detail oriented and ability to multi-task and prioritize work in order to meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and self-motivation.
Ability to work in a team environment in order to achieve a goal or complete a task.
The desire and ability to learn new techniques specific to the research.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
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. 
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. 
Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals. 
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment with exposed to general chemicals and blood-borne pathogens. Laboratory safety and blood-borne pathogen training is required and will be provided. Training in work with animal models of disease is required and will be provided. Required personal protective equipment includes a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. 

Case Western Reserve University's animal facilities are accredited by the Associate 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 the School of Medicine's 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. 

 

Apply online at jobs.case.edu search job 14450