Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, coordinate biomedical research, using biochemical and cell biological techniques to better understand the mechanism of Golgi trafficking, its regulation, and contribution to human disease. The Research Assistant 4 will coordinate and perform research at the intersection of cancer biology, intracellular signal transduction, and membrane trafficking as part of a friendly and pleasant laboratory group. This position will utilize a variety of experimental procedures ranging from in vitro cell culture to in vivo animal models (mice) using quantitative analytical procedures (PCR, DNA analysis, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, protein analysis, retroviral/lentiviral construct, and cloning/sub-cloning). The Research Assistant 4 will provide expertise in a broad range of genomic technologies, provide input and recommendations for experimental design, including proper use of controls and be able to communicate complex concepts in working with principal investigators, students, and research staff. Will co-author research projects, teach or instruct others in research techniques, carry out general lab administration and maintenance, monitor the laboratory budget, collect, verify, record, and compile data and information related to the ongoing research carried out in the lab. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Coordinate lab/ research activities in accordance with general plans. Manage transgenic mouse colony, including breeding, genotyping, and development of experimental cohorts. Maintain cell lines in culture and prepare plates for experiments. Maintain lab stocks of antibodies, plasmids, and other reagents. Maintain careful records of these activities. (15%)

• Plan and carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Coordinate the use of experimental protocols drawn from a broad range of disciplines. Techniques include Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, cell culture, cell fractionation, in vitro lipid and protein binding experiments, and general molecular biology and protein biochemistry. (20%)
• Devise experimental plans, order laboratory stocks using appropriate funding sources, and maintain lab records. (10%)
• Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Methods include a variety of arrest/release trafficking studies, cell proliferation studies (requiring accurate lab skills), and development of new approaches to quantify subcellular morphological features. (6%)
• Supervise undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees. Help orient them to the lab, lab safety protocols, lab technical protocols, and the general environment. (8%)
• Maintain records of laboratory stocks and reagents, equipment manuals and procedures, purchases received and outstanding, packing slips, and storage destination, and laboratory experimental procedures and data. (12%)
• Coordinate laboratory safety with the department of occupational and environmental safety. Ensure compliance with protocols for safe handling and storage of hazardous materials, orient new personnel and direct them to obtain appropriate training through the department of occupational and environmental safety, maintain records of personnel training to ensure compliance with mandatory training requirements, periodically inspect the laboratory to ensure safe operation compliant with all safety protocols, work with the department of occupational and environmental safety to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations regarding chemical, biohazard, radiochemical, and general laboratory hazards. (8%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Perform laboratory maintenance and organization under general guidance. Responsible for tracking and maintaining supply inventory, work with fund manager, laboratory personnel, and supply company representatives to ensure supplies are ordered cost effectively and in a timely manner and on correct funding source, responsible for maintenance of laboratory equipment in good working order, appropriately calibrated and maintained, ensure a clean, orderly, safe working environment. (5%)

• Co-author research projects. Participate in writing manuscripts, grant proposals, progress reports, and pilot applications. Participate in writing and submitting scientific papers to peer-reviewed journals. (5%)
• Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data. Perform experiments using validated controls, analyze the results using quantitative measures (using image analysis and spreadsheet software), and produce charts, graphs, and slides to communicate the results and assess validity of the analysis. (5%)
• Attend and participate in laboratory meetings. (2%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

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

University: Continuous contact with Environmental Health and Safety to ensure safety compliance. Continuous contact to ensure compliance with regulatory stipulations of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Institutional Biosafety Committee.

External: Frequent contact with supply and equipment vendors to obtain quotes and to ensure cost effective purchasing and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Postdoc and Students: Frequent contact with postdoc and student employees to provide orientation to the lab, explain policies and procedures, coordinate purchasing, and collaboration on experiments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS * Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a biomedical research laboratory environment.

• Has knowledge of advanced concepts, practices, and procedures within molecular biology/biochemistry.
• 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 university animal research care 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, and processes to protect the health of the animals.
• Previous experience working with mice preferred.
• Strong technical skills. Prior experience with Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence methods would be advantageous.
• 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).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with Mac and Windows computers.
• 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 or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter).

WORKING CONDITIONS

General research laboratory environment. Will work with bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and radioactive materials. Will be required to attend safety training for Bloodborne Pathogens, Laboratory Safety, and Radiation Safety. Will work extensively with mice and will be required to undergo relevant training. Employee will be required to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, lab coat, and eyewear. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a cell and molecular biology laboratory, working with mice and other animal models in the laboratory and in the animal facility.

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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COVID Vaccination

Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. For more information go to: https://case.edu/equity/covid-19-accommodations. Applicants may contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 /equity@case.edu for information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an accommodation.

Case Western Reserve University