Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out experimental work to investigate the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer\xe2\x80\x99s disease. The research assistant will conduct experiments ranging from cell culture models to protein expression/purification and biochemical/biophysical studies with purified proteins in vitro, supporting laboratory members and laboratory maintenance. The research will help expand the knowledge on the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Research involves cell culture studies in established cell lines as well as biochemical experiments with purified proteins in vitro, plasmid purification, protein expression in E. Coli and purification by chromatographic methods. (55%)

• Collect and analyze experimental data, perform routine data analysis. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Prepare charts and slides from experimental data for purposes of reporting. (35%)
• Oversee chemical/biological inventory in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety. Maintain laboratory reagents including buffers and media. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with a supervisor and a postdoctoral fellow to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: None.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/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 required.

REQUIRED SKILLS * Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of biochemistry and/or cell biology.

• 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 and supervisors face to face.
• Good organizational skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office).
• 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 and request clarification if necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The cell culture room is adjacent to the main lab. Advanced light microscopy facility is part of the departmental Core Infrastructure. May have exposure to low-level hazards (e.g., bacterial culture, lab chemicals and biological materials). Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

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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Case Western Reserve University