Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in the CASE Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory (CASE-BML) to advance new solutions in sickle cell anemia in-vitro diagnostics and blood cell biomechanics. The project involves working with a newly developed novel microfluidic assay that allows rapid, preprocessing free, and standardized interrogation of red blood cells and white blood cells. The project will include experiments aiming at the characterization of cellular adhesive events in sickle cell disease patients and correlate them to the patient\xe2\x80\x99s clinical state and response to treatment. The research assistant will facilitate research projects by managing human blood samples, collecting patient information according to the samples, and conducting experiments to provide scientific information as part of a larger project.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Perform research work and conduct technical procedures and experiments according to specific instructions and protocols to test cellular adhesion, density, deformability, and viscosity in patient blood samples. (65%)

• Collect and manage blood samples at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. (10%)
• Record and analyze results of experiments, accurately log blood samples entering the laboratory and assist in ordering laboratory supplies. (10%)
• Maintain records of experiments and test equipment utilized in experiments. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Assist in the overall organization and maintenance of the laboratory. (4%)

• Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily and weekly contact with the supervisor to discuss research.

University: Frequent contact with School of Medicine Clinicians to exchange information.

External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Frequent contact with students in the laboratory maintain workflow.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor\'s degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate\'s degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of related experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS * Familiarity with safe handling of biohazardous materials (human blood and body fluids); and knowledge of safe handling practices for laboratory chemicals.

• Experience in use of computers and software including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience with basic laboratory equipment (centrifuge, light microscopes, balances, pH meter, incubators, etc.)
• Verbal and written communication skills to be effective in communicating and interacting with a diverse group of people within a laboratory setting and a hospital setting. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Organizational skills in record-keeping with ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data.
• Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.
• Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility, and demonstrated effective time management skills. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards, and blood borne pathogens as blood samples collected from patients and healthy donors are routinely used in the experiments. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. The research assistant will receive proper blood borne pathogens and general lab safety training, as well as training for lab specific safety measures. In rare cases, may be requested to work overtime and weekends for experiments as needed for the progress of ongoing laboratory projects.

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