Research Assistant 2

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $19.41 per hour.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research projects in accordance with general research guidelines. Responsibilities include planning and performing experiments on projects related to cardiac contractile function. The research assistant will work closely with other lab members and focus on research involving characterization of in vivo cardiac function utilizing ultrasound echocardiography. The research assistant will perform a wide array of cellular and molecular biology experiments using gel electrophoresis, western blots, bacterial transformation and culture, and other in vitro techniques. This position will utilize various molecular and in vivo methods to bridge the gap of understanding between molecular observations and cardiac function. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out research projects that characterize in vivo cardiac function utilizing ultrasound echocardiography. Specific tasks will be related to, but not limited to, evaluating the efficacy of small molecules and gene therapy by systemic delivery in reversing systolic and diastolic dysfunction in genetic and acquired heart failure models. (50%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Collect, quantify and analyze data from general molecular biology experiments, including expression levels of cardiac proteins by various gel electrophoresis techniques, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. (25%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures related to immunostaining of whole heart sections, isolated muscle fibers, and myofibrils. (10%)
• Prepare and present research results in lab meetings. Train new staff, direct the work of students. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee inventory and standard operating procedures. Maintain equipment, prepare buffer/media/reagents, and dispose biohazardous waste. Maintain lab records. (4%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Weekly contact with investigators to discuss research, research education, direction, goals and time management. Frequent contact with laboratory employees in collaboration in common research project.

University: Occasional interaction with other faculty in the department and the university to provide updates on common collaborative research projects. Utilize core university facilities for experimentation and maintain strong relationship with core mangers for research collaborations.

External: Occasional communication with research collaborators from other institutions to exchange information.

Students: Occasional contact with students and to assist students with their research projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibilities. Train new staff and direct the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of experience, or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required. Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related scientific field preferred. Experience with molecular biology techniques such as cell culture and protein purifications preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in chemistry, physics, biochemistry and molecular/cellular biology and in vivo cardiovascular function.
• Able to perform various molecular biology techniques.
• Able to use custom software and computational tools to analyze indices of cardiac function.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.
• Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to effectively operate basic molecular and cellular biology laboratory equipment.
• Ability to problem-solve effectively and assist in the development and implementation of alternative solutions as needed. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc. Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
• 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.
• Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions will require working on a muscle mechanics setup, working on a bench with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, working with animal models, working in front of a computer for several hours, working outside standard working days or hours as required. The employee will work with frequent interruptions and distractions. There may be exposure to research specific chemicals and the employee will need to take Chemical Safety Training. May have exposure to hazards. Required personal protective equipment may include a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. This position is not eligible for the staff hybrid work program.

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 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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