Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
This is a Part-time position (<20 hours/week), working under general supervision, plan and carry out research projects in accordance with general plans. The Research Assistant will assist the principal investigator in conducting studies focused on the tumor microenvironment in colorectal and pancreatic cancers. The laboratory has developed methods for isolating various human and murine cell types from both malignant and non-malignant surgical specimens. These primary cells are used to investigate how components of the tumor microenvironment, particularly endothelial cells, contribute to cancer cell survival mechanisms such as growth, chemoresistance, and the cancer stem cell phenotype. Research efforts include the use of human and murine-derived organoids to characterize interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment. Work that may include animals includes xenograft tumor models, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and transgenic mouse models. This position will work with animals
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans. Assists PI and colleagues on projects involving organoids, including independent culture organoids and perform basic cellular assays (50%)
Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project Perform MTT, growth/death assays to assess organoids and cultured cells response to secreted factors from cancer and other types of cells, and with/without inhibiting targets of interests (20%)
Collect and analyze data. Perform cellular assays (viability, proliferation, and functional tests) on organoids and cancer cell lines to assess biological responses under various experimental conditions. This involves preparing reagents, plating cells, applying treatments, and using instruments like plate readers or microscopes to measure outcomes. The research assistant will be responsible for recording, analyzing and presenting the data during lab meetings and journal clubs, contributing to collaborative discussions and ongoing project development. (10%)
May assist in developing improved organoid culturing, projection methods, or procedures. (6%)
Oversee inventory. Assist with basic lab housekeeping tasks, which include ensuring the lab is stocked with necessary inventory and kept clean. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Train new staff; direct the work of students. Teach junior trainees in the lab to culture organoids and perform assays (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned, including attending CWRU career development workshops (3%)
CONTACTS
Department: infrequent, administrative staff contact to obtain administrative support for research activities
University: infrequent, assist other lab staff to contact Environmental Health and Safety, and Animal Research in order to meet regulatory requirements
External: infrequent contact with Collaborators for collaboration projects
Students: occasionally, collaborate students in the lab and teach new students
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU 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 CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center¿s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
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, supervisors and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. Will NOT be exposed to NIH-defined biohazards. May be exposed to chemicals including ethanol, DAPI, DMSO, tetrazolium, EDTA, Annexin V, propidium iodide. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coat, gloves and goggles, may be required and provided to limit exposure to chemicals. The researcher will work mainly at the bench, performing experiments that require standing and sitting. Will perform some experiments in the animal room, standing in the laminar flow hood. Involved walking between different buildings. Willing to adjust working hours according to the nature of ongoing experiments.
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 medical school 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 and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required.
