Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in medical and related technical areas that involves use of lab/research skills for the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences as part of the newly launched Institute for Glial Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. The institute researches glial biology in pursuit of life-changing medicines for people with neurological disorders. The research assistant will work with biologists to answer key questions that are central to understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern normal and pathologic cell states in neurological and gut disorders. This position will work with animals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Isolate primary cells from mice and grow in culture. Conduct analysis of samples to measure specific mouse cell function in vitro and in vivo. (35%)
Work with animal models of disease, this will include genotyping by PCR, performing animal husbandry, performing drug injections, and collecting tissues of interest. (30%)
Record results and maintain experimental records in Lab Archives, a provided online electronic lab notebook. (10%)
Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments to ensure that it is clean and fully functional. Report to senior lab personnel any equipment malfunction. (10%)
Order laboratory supplies as necessary for completion of experiments; order depleted supplies using an in-house ordering system and restock newly ordered supplies upon arrival. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and laboratory principal investigator to maintain workflow.
University: Occasional contact with other lab personnel, department assistants, and principal investigators from other departments and centers across the Case Western Reserve University campus to exchange information.
External: Occasional contact with outside vendors to exchange information.
Students: Regular contact with laboratory undergraduate and graduate students to maintain laboratory supplies and experiments.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervise undergraduate researchers within the lab as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree with 0 to 1 year of experience in an academic research laboratory; or an Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program with 0 to 2 years of experience.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Experience with cell culture.
Knowledge of standard laboratory practices.
Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organization and detailed record keeping.
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.
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
Interpersonal skills: ability to effectively work with various individuals throughout the department, school, university and individuals external to the university.
Detail oriented and ability to multi-task and prioritize work in order to meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and self-motivation.
Ability to work in a team environment in order to achieve a goal or complete a task.
Desire and ability to learn new techniques specific to the research.
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The research assistant will work in a general laboratory environment and be exposed to general chemicals and blood-borne pathogens. Laboratory safety and blood-borne pathogen training is required and will be provided. Required personal protective equipment includes a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate and will be provided. Training in work with animal models of disease is required and will be provided.
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 with 0 to 1 year of experience in an academic research laboratory; or an Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program with 0 to 2 years of experience.
