Description

Position Objective

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Research Assistant 4 will coordinate major activities of the lab involving extensive in vivo experiments related to assessment of cardiac function. The research assistant will coordinate, design, implement, test and validate data collection and analysis methods for in vivo cardiac physiology and the effects of various pharmacological interventions. This position will work closely with laboratory undergraduate/graduate students, postdocs, and also assist in training lab personnel in various in vivo techniques. This position will work with animals.

Essential Functions 

Coordinate major lab activities. Oversee, develop procedures, optimize experiments in in vivo cardiac assessment and the effects of various drugs and small molecules, as well as develop and test new surgical techniques to assess cardiac physiology. (20%)
Perform the most complex, quantitative analytical procedures including the design of complex in vivo survival surgeries, ex vivo techniques in isolated hearts, new readouts of cardiac performance using sophisticated software and equipment. (20%)
Provide input and recommendations to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Key complex tasks include the creation of new surgical techniques, analysis methods, and ex-vivo models of cardiac function. (20%)
Teach or instruct others in research techniques and standard laboratory policies as well as in vivo physiology assessment techniques. May supervise research assistants, technicians and students. (20%)
Assist in developing procedures. Review the efficiency of in vivo and ex vivo genetic cardiac function techniques and complex quantitative precision of experiments and analysis. Coordinate information with others as needed. (10%)
Co-author research projects and provide data to the principal investigator for sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, grant and pilot applications. Participate in manuscript and grant writing, review data and figure quality. (10%) 
 

NonEssential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%) 

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor and laboratory personnel to discuss research projects.

University: Occasional contact with other departments and clients throughout the university, and with cross-institutional collaborations to discuss research.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Frequent contact with students, fellows, and medical students to exchange information.

Supervisory Responsibility 

May supervise research assistants, technicians and students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor's degree in a science required.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in in vivo cardiovascular function. 
Able to perform various cardiac phenotyping techniques. 
Prior experience with measurements of in vivo cardiac function. 
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve 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 Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times. 
Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.
Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to effectively operate laboratory equipment.
Ability to problem-solve effectively and assist in the development and implementation of alternative solutions as needed. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.
Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc. Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.
Ability to meet consistent attendance. 
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.
 

Working Conditions

Working conditions will require working on a bench with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, working with animal models in the laboratory, working in front of a computer for several hours, working outside standard working days or hours as required. The employee will work with frequent interruptions and distractions. Must be willing to collaborate with other members of the lab and/or other labs. May have exposure to hazards. There may be exposure to research specific chemicals and the employee will need to take Chemical Safety Training. Required personal protective equipment may include a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. 

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

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor's degree in a science required.