Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas focused on discovering the impact on brain development of rat and mouse pups exposed to ethanol, bilirubin, or hyperoxia. The research assistant will support laboratory activities with the goal of exploring the effect of a choline deficient diet and subsequent choline supplementation on these impacts. This position will work with animals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Oversee and coordinate all aspects of the laboratory including daily operations, equipment maintenance schedules, and research timeline management. Schedule and coordinate animal procedures across multiple research protocols; maintain detailed laboratory records and experimental logs; ensure compliance with all safety protocols, IACUC requirements, and institutional policies. (20%)
Work closely with the principal investigator, meeting weekly in person, and through daily email communications. Prepare detailed weekly progress reports; present experimental results and data analysis; participate in grant writing and manuscript preparation discussions; and contribute to experimental design decisions. (20%)
Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Work on developing a novel rat model of hyperoxia and validating in vitro model of irCGN for further investigation by the lab. (20%)
Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Work on developing protocols for in vivo rat model of hyperoxia and in vitro model of irCGN. (20%)
Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data. Review all lab members' data and results, investigating technique details as well as developing new detailed protocols. Assist in the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. Perform quality control assessments of data collection methods; identify potential sources of experimental variability; recommend improvements to existing protocols; conduct preliminary statistical analyses; and prepare data visualizations for presentations and publications. (6%)
May supervise students and technicians. Oversee and support students in the lab. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
May co-author research projects. Write the first draft of own research projects, and assist with manuscript preparation for contributions on other projects. (2%)
May monitor the laboratory budget. Responsible for all the ordering from appropriate sources; review orders with principal investigator monthly. (2%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Weekly contact with supervisor and other lab members to discuss research and maintain workflow. Weekly contact with Zoom lab group members at weekly meetings to discuss research and collaborate on work.
University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.
External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.
Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise students and technicians.
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 including tissue culture, cell signaling assays, western blots, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry. Knowledge of animal husbandry and behavioral tests is a plus.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment, such as ultracentrifuge, imager, western blot apparatus, confocal microscope
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 Case Western Reserve 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.
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. May have exposure to hazards including general chemical materials. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. May need to work over weekends/nights for experiments and to care for the animal colony. May need to travel to meetings for presentation of work. Will need to work with animals.
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.
