Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in medical and related technical areas to support the Digestive Health Research Institute\xe2\x80\x99s (DHRI) mission to ensure a better future for patients struggling with devastating digestive diseases, by translating novel basic science discoveries into our clinics. The research assistant will perform procedures and experiments according to specific, established laboratory protocols. The research assistant will provide research support to the entire Digestive Health Research Institute by performing research and animal husbandry procedures for the institute\xe2\x80\x99s colonies and collecting, recording and tabulating data relating to the mouse colonies maintained. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Perform research work in medical and related technical areas, including, but not limited to: tail bleeding, euthanasia, tissue collection, post-collection processing and providing care for animals. (30%)

• Conduct analysis of samples using PCR, qPCR and Western Blot analysis. Prepare general laboratory solutions for the Digestive Health Research Institute. RNA/DNA/protein extraction required. (20%)
• Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments and maintain records of experiments, including but not limited to excellent record keeping for animal husbandry and colony maintenance. Observe animals during both research and husbandry processes and note and report anything unusual that may indicate problems with the animals such as health related problems, housing/caging, overcrowded conditions, food or water problems. (30%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain equipment and animal rooms. Clean and keep areas (equipment, counters, sinks, carts, etc.) neat and free of clutter per United States Department of Agriculture and the AAALAC Guide. (10%)
• Order laboratory supplies and set up supplies and equipment for animal husbandry activities for the institute\xe2\x80\x99s main and ancillary colonies. This includes, but is not limited to estimating colony needs, submitting \xe2\x80\x9ccage request\xe2\x80\x9d forms for case and obtaining food, bedding and caging material from storage in anticipation and fulfillment of needs. (7%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Attend lab and research meetings. (1%)

• Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor, lab manager and other Digestive Health Research Institute lab members 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: Regular contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate\xe2\x80\x99s degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS * Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices and procedures within field of animal husbandry and experimental research.

• Ability to rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve University animal research and care and comply with (ARC) policies and procedures as well as 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\xe2\x80\x99s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred.
• Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer programs as needed.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally interact and work with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Strong organization skills: ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and follow-through. Must be willing to have emergency availability on a very occasional basis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory and vivarium environment. May have exposure to hazards. Handing of BSL-2 specimens/ animals/ projects is part of current job duties. When assigned to special areas housing animals, e.g., in microisolators, laminar flow hoods, those under quarantine or animals used for radioisotope, carcinogen or other biohazard research, wear protective clothing and observe special precautions as to handling and disposal of contaminated material per established protocols. Training will be provided as needed.

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