Research Assistant 2

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $19.41 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research tasks to implement, test and validate data collection using methods in molecular (mRNA) and cellular biology and whole animal physiology. The Research Assistant 2 may assist laboratory colleagues and contribute to research publications and grant applications. Laboratory duties will involve the handling of live animals (mice).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Coordinate laboratory/research activities. Work closely with the principal investigator to manage, monitor and facilitate progress of specific research objectives. (35%)

• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Work closely with the principal investigator to ensure validity and quality control of assay techniques and in vivo and in vitro models, including maintenance of accurate scientific records (35%).

• Assist in animal husbandry (genotyping, colony maintenance) (15%).

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist new staff and trainees in specific laboratory techniques (5%).

• Contribute to oversight of laboratory inventory, maintain laboratory instruments and reagents in a cooperative manner with colleagues (5%)

• Perform other duties (e.g., assist with laboratory organization) as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information regarding equipment and shared reagents.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information regarding equipment maintenance, reagent quality and availability.

Students: Occasional contact with student employees to train, supervise, assist and exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff and/or students/trainees in specific assays and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and experience: Bachelors degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associates degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures of molecular biology, protein chemistry and/or histology in the field of reproductive biology.

• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform research activities. Desire and ability to learn and master novel techniques and follow pre-established protocols.

• Ability to safely operate laboratory equipment and handle laboratory reagents. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

• 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 Centers 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.

• Ability to meet consistent attendance.

• Good organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to budget time effectively, and work on several projects simultaneously.

• Ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory records and data.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline. Must be able to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.

• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

• Ability to demonstrate 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.

• Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The laboratories, located on the 8th floor of MacDonald Womens 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. 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 Universitys 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 SOM 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.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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