Job Description

Position Objective

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. The research laboratory is focused on translating bench discoveries to the clinical space. The research team has a strong interest in leveraging state-of-the-art wet and computational technologies for novel target, drug, and biomarker discovery for head and neck cancer. The research assistant will utilize a variety of experimental procedures to identify and validate targets, drugs, and/or biomarkers using in vitro and in vivo models of head and neck cancer. Key responsibilities include maintenance of head and neck cancer cell lines, perform genomic, transcriptomic, and phenotypic assays, and oversee inventory management. This position will work with animals.

Essential Functions * Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of larger translational projects in head and neck cancer. Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Perform cell culture of primary and established cancer cell lines, perform molecular and cell biology techniques to assess tumor cell genetics and phenotype, and establish in vivo mouse models to assess tumorigenicity and response to anti-cancer therapies. (60%)

• Collect and analyze in vitro and in vivo experimental data for reporting. Prepare graphs, charts, and slides from experimental data. Present results in laboratory meetings, seminars, and conferences. (10%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, methods, or procedures to identify and/or validate targets for biomarker and/or drug discovery or for bioinformatics analyses of high-density datasets. (10%)
• Oversee inventory. Manage inventory stock and, order laboratory supplies and reagents. (10%)

NonEssential Functions * Train new research staff; direct the work of students. (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

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

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Regular contact with vendors to order and/or negotiate pricing of research supplies and reagents.

Students: Contact with student employee to exchange information.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.

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 cancer biology.

• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Strong organization skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow through on assigned projects.
• Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the University.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is needed. Experience using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a plus.
• Ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.
• 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 University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center\xe2\x80\x99s 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.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

Working Conditions

General laboratory environment. General research laboratory environment. The work involves the use of a variety of chemicals and biohazards, including working under BLS2 environment for lentivirus experiments. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. Every precaution has been taken to create a safe and pleasant working environment, in accordance with Environmental Health and Safety policies.

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\xe2\x80\x9d appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service \xe2\x80\x9cPolicy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to School of Medicine 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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Case Western Reserve University