Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in medical and related technical research projects in a basic science and physiology laboratory. This position will work with animals. The lab's NIH-funded research is focused on understanding the postnatal development of the respiratory system, utilizing rodent models to investigate lung development and the effects that early exposure to stressors such as oxygen might have on long-term adverse consequences to the lung, airway, and heart. The goals of this translational research are to understand and develop therapies for complications and morbidities after preterm birth.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving use of lab skills. Perform standard molecular techniques (RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA), animal work, tissue processing immunohistochemistry), in vivo and in vitro physiology studies, tissue culture work and general lab maintenance. Conduct animal exposures and collect tissues, serum, and lavage fluid. Perform standard experimental methods include using immunohistochemistry and confocal/fluorescent imaging or performing western blots, PCR, ELISA and/or other associated molecular techniques on collected samples. Assess in vivo and in vitro physiology. (50%)
Complete duties related to animal husbandry (mice/rats), including feeding and general maintenance of animal enclosures and ensuring health and well-being of the animals. (15%)
Maintain records of animal use and other experiments. This includes maintaining clear, accurate and complete lab notes/records in lab notebook and lab-related data folders. Organize raw data and provide data to laboratory members at weekly lab meetings. (12%)
Maintain test equipment and perform routine lab maintenance including cleaning or autoclaving equipment and lab ware, stocking buffers and supplies, and disposal of hazardous waste as needed. (6%)
Order reagents, animals, and other laboratory supplies. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Participate in annual lab inspections and safety plan reviews, maintain general lab cleanliness and Environmental Health and Safety compliant chemical inventory. (5%)
Opportunities to present findings to visiting professors, collaborators and at regional/national meetings. (3%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with lab members to discuss research and maintain workflow. Weekly mandatory lab meetings with principal investigator to present research progress, results and data collection and to discuss goals and whether such goals have or have not been met.
University: Occasional contact with other departments and collaborators to share information.
External: Occasional contact with delivery personnel and vendors to exchange information.
Students: Infrequent contact with students and trainees to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the biological sciences. An understanding of developmental respiratory physiology would be advantageous.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment including microscopes and vibratomes for tissue sectioning.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.
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's 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. Research skills related to small animal handling (mice/rats) will be reviewed and evaluated by the Animal Resource Center.
Knowledge and understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices and procedures associated with molecular techniques is also preferred (PCR, western blots, ELISA, immunohistochemistry)
Strong organizational skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must 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 both 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 (ex: Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database applications, and with internet navigation.
Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health of animals, co-workers and self.
Must have the ability to willingly learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment: The 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 multiple fume hoods for preparation of animal tissues and use of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Two rooms located adjacent to the lab are equipped with surgical areas for in vivo and in vitro measurements of lung and airway function and other surgical procedures, as well as microscopes and vibratomes for tissue imaging and processing. Neighboring labs are positioned adjacent to and in contact with the lab so the employee should expect frequent interactions with respective lab members with similar research interests.
Major physical demands include proper transportation and restraint of gas cylinders, transferring animals between the lab and the animal holding facility, as well as weekly changes of mouse/rat cages as needed.
May have exposure to hazards. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, coat and eyewear. Working conditions will require working in-person at the bench in a molecular biology laboratory, working with mice/rats and other animal models in the laboratory and in the animal facility and when needed working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment or time-dependent exposure. When reporting to work on weekends and/or holidays are necessary, arrangements for an equitable 37.5 hour work week will be discussed and approved in advance with supervisor.
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¿ appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations and the Public Health Service ¿Policy 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.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.
