Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work that focuses on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying aggressive forms of breast cancers. The research assistant will be responsible for assisting with the ongoing animal experiments and previous mouse work experience is preferred. Data analysis will be performed by the research assistant with appropriate supervision of the senior research scientist and the principle investigator. The position may contribute to co-authorship on laboratory publications. The position will also be responsible for cell culture maintenance tasks including water bath and cell culture incubator maintenance, lab ordering, supply re-stocking, and lab tidiness. This position will work with animals as well as mouse and human tissue.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Coordinate laboratory/ research activities relating to experiments in the field of cell and radiobiology, such as measuring cell proliferation rates (cell counting or live cell density monitoring), cell death (apoptosis by flow cytometry, nuclear condensation by microscopy, clonogenic survival, etc.), or immunofluorescence. Carry out eukaryotic cell culture and biological experiments independently but with input of other research scientists; the cell culture will include both standard cell propagation and expansion, as well as advanced techniques including plasmid or siRNA transfection, lentivirus infection, invasion/migration assays, and clonogenic survival assays. Utilize molecular biology techniques including cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 experience, and insertional mutagenesis. Maintain cell cultures and carry out experiments as directed. Use orthovoltage radiation machine for in vivo and in vitro radiation experiments. (30%)

• Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Perform in vivo murine techniques. Carry out specific experimental studies that may require mammary fat pad injections and xenograft studies with drug administration to animals. Perform in vitro techniques including flow cytometry, PCR, cell culture, western blot, cell growth, etc. (20%)
• Work closely with the principal investigator. Perform complex research which may include including administration of medications, chemical reagents, or biologic agents, handling cells, tissues, and animals per IACUC protocols and laboratory methodology. Perform cell culture, tissues harvest and acquisition, DNA/RNA/protein extraction. (20%)
• Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training including characterizing the therapeutic benefit of specific inhibitors on radio sensitization. Evaluate adequacy of techniques and provide feedback on experimental design. Optimize and troubleshoot procedures to comply with expected outcomes. (17%)
• May supervise students and technicians - Train new staff regarding standard laboratory policies as well as basic radiobiology research and keep a clear and complete laboratory notebook. May co-author research projects. Participate in manuscript and grant writing, co-author research projects and provide data to the principal investigator for sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, grant and pilot applications. May monitor laboratory budget. (7%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Provide support to other research assistants. (3%)

• Attend departmental functions and perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

CONTACTS

Department: Consistent contact with the lab principal investigator to collaborate on work and provide information on experiments.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information on collaborative projects.

External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information and order supplies.

Students: Contact with student employees to provide training or direct research.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS * Working knowledge of biomedical research and cell culture or similar biological experiments with previous lab experience required.

• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures used in molecular and radiobiology.
• Must have the 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 rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and FlowJo is a plus.
• Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer programs as needed.
• Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, supervisors and students face to face.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards including routine laboratory chemicals and solvents. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

Case Western Reserve University\xe2\x80\x99s 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 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