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Research Assistant 3

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical fields related to microbiology and molecular biology. The Research Assistant 3 will plan and carry out research projects with the goal to understand how microbial interactions impact disease in the human microbiome. Duties include microbiology culture, animal studies, molecular biology approaches, and/or computational approaches, mentoring students and junior technicians. This position will work with animals.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature involving microbiology, transcriptomic, and/or animal experiments approaches to study microbial interactions related to human health. Studies include but are not limited to sterile technique for microbiology, anaerobic culturing, DNA and RNA isolation, microbiology assays, confocal microscopy, and PCR. Animal studies will include subcutaneous infections in mice and harvesting of tissue. (25%)  
  • Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Lead the development of improved techniques, methods, and procedures. Focus will be on development of physiological assays for microbes and RNA sequencing optimization. (25%)
  • May supervise students and technicians. Train students, post-doctoral fellows and staff in techniques, data analysis, and utilization of equipment related to microbiology and sequencing approaches. (15%).
  • Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data. Maintain laboratory records by keeping clear and organized notebooks, documenting procedures, and recording data. Collect and analyze data, using appropriate and ethical approaches. (15%)
  • Work closely with the principal investigator. Determine the direction of projects and plan experiments. (10%).
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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Plan complex experiments with other lab members. (4%)
  • May co-author research projects. Create reports on activities to present at lab meetings and for publications. (4%)
  • May monitor the laboratory budget. (<1 %)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
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    CONTACTS

    Department: Frequent contact with principal investigator and with other research personnel regarding project activities. Moderate contact with department administration to maintain workflow.

    University: Occasional contact with researchers in other departments regarding collaborative projects and to share information.

    External: Infrequent contact with vendors, IACUC, other collaborating institutions regarding supplies and equipment needs.

    Students: Frequent contact with students in the lab setting to explain data, techniques, etc., and to maintain workflow.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    May supervise students and technicians

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

    Education/Licensing: Bachelor of Science degree required.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS 

  • Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, chemistry or related discipline.
  • Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment. Ability to perform basic laboratory assays. Training will be provided in specific techniques as necessary. Must be willing to learn new techniques.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face. Excellent communication skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships, address the needs of the PI and lab members, and mentor students and technicians. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
  • Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Bioinformatic experience is a plus. 
  • Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making. 
  • Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.
  • 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 Case Western Reserve University 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. But previous experience is not required.
  • Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
  • Ability to ensure laboratory safety.
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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. The employee will work mostly in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) facilities and will use infectious materials and general chemicals. This job will include animal work and may include handling of human biological specimens that may be infected with viral or bacterial pathogens. This position may provide opportunities for travel, including presentations at domestic and international conferences.

    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.

    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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    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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    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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