Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas. In accordance with general objectives set by the principal investigator, the Research Assistant 3 will perform laboratory and research activities and research assignments of a non-routine nature to explore the hormonal control of the process and timing of birth. The research assistant will use methods in cellular and molecular biology, protein chemistry, and whole animal physiology. The research assistant will supervise trainees and contribute to research publications and grant applications. This position will work with animals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Monitor laboratory inventory, assist the laboratory team with maintenance of equipment and laboratory spaces. Perform routine animal husbandry in an established mouse colony in collaboration with the primary investigator and other laboratory personnel. Maintain organized records of experimental mice. (28%)
Work closely with the principal investigator. With the principal investigator and laboratory personnel, develop experimental plans that contribute to the laboratory objectives of using cell-based and animal models to investigate the hormonal control of pregnancy and parturition. (10%)
Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Design and perform experiments including mouse tissue analysis, recombinant DNA engineering, genetic manipulation of cell lines, and benchtop assays of nucleic acids and proteins to meet laboratory research objectives. (28%)
Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. This includes molecular biology techniques (DNA plasmid production, mammalian cell transfection, and downstream assays) and complex reproductive phenotyping in mutant mouse strains. (6%)
Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Analyze data using basic statistical tools and techniques. Assist laboratory personnel with protocol and assay development. (6%)
May supervise students and technicians. Assist new staff and trainees in specific laboratory techniques. (6%)
May co-author research projects. This may include written methodology and preparation of figures for publication. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
May monitor the laboratory budget. Contribute to oversight of consumable inventory. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily, frequent contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.
University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.
External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information.
Students: Moderate contact with student employees to train, supervise, assist and exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. The Research Assistant 3 will train new staff and/or students/trainees in specific assays and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field: molecular biology, protein chemistry and/or histology in the field of reproductive biology.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment: standard benchtop cell and molecular biology laboratory equipment and handle laboratory reagents. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
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.
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 CWRU 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.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively independently and within a team.
Good interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals within the laboratory and department and external to the university.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment: The laboratories, located on the 8th floor of MacDonald Women¿s Hospital, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, have abundant bench space for biochemical analyses and animal handling and manipulations. Desk space with a personal work station is provided. The labs are equipped with fume hoods and facilities to store hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Travel is not required. Overtime work is not required.
May have exposure to hazards including standard cell/molecular biology laboratory reagents and bloodborne pathogens. Employee will undergo training in laboratory safety and the handling of material with a blood- borne pathogen risk. Appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, laboratory coat and eyewear will be provided and all duties will be performed in a safe/approved manner. Major physical demands include transferring animals to the laboratory from the animal holding facility.
Case Western Reserve University¿s animal facilities are accredited by the Associate 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 the School of Medicine¿s 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
Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.
