Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out experimental work in accordance with general plans to support the research to understand the assembly of protease activated receptors (PARs) complexes and determine how they work together at the molecular level to mediate physiological responses. The research assistant will conduct experiments ranging from in vitro cell culture to in vivo animal models, supporting laboratory members and laboratory maintenance. The position will support research that will help expand knowledge of the modulation of PAR1 and PAR4 and understand their roles on human platelets. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as a part of a larger project including cell culture of established cell lines, cell proliferation, DNA/RNA extraction, immunoblot, PCR, plasmid cloning and purification, maintain laboratory reagents including buffers and media, maintain the colony of the mice lines and genotype the control and experimental mice. (40%)

• Collect and analyze data, prepare graphs, and slides from experimental data for purposes of reporting. Oversee and maintain mouse database. (20%)
• Oversee inventory of supplies necessary for daily laboratory work. Order reagents and other laboratory supplies. Prepare solutions, set up reactions. Maintain laboratory equipment. Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety. Assess new equipment. Maintain lab equipment and service agreements as needed. (15%)
• Train new staff and undergraduate students in standard laboratory policies as well as basic biochemistry research techniques. (10%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures relating to biochemistry techniques and mouse colony maintenance. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor, students, and postdoctoral fellows 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: Contact with student employees 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 a particular field.

• 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, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Must demonstrate compliance with university animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines. and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC
• 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 as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred.
• Strong molecular biology skills (PCR, Western blots, Retroviral/Lentiviral constructs).
• 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 effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter).
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and FlowJo is a plus.
• Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The main lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for animal handling and manipulations. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with one shared fume hood for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. A mouse surgery room located next to the lab are equipped with animal euthanization station and surgery station. The cell culture room nearby is equipped with incubators, culture hood, and microscope. Access to a multi-color Flow Cytometer and a LiCor Analyzer belonging in a neighboring lab. The employee should expect frequent interactions with lab members from that lab and must be willing to collaborate. Major physical demands include transferring animals between the lab and the animal holding facility, maintaining the animal colonies, as well as weekly changes of mouse cages. May have exposure to hazards. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

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 SOM 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