Research Assistant 1

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

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 $17.65 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.

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in medical and related technical areas to support the DHRI's mission to ensure a better future for patients struggling with devastating digestive diseases, by translating novel basic science discoveries into our clinics. The research assistant will perform procedures and experiments according to specific, established laboratory protocols. The research assistant will provide research support to the entire Digestive Health Research Institute by performing research and animal husbandry procedures for the institute's colonies and collecting, recording and tabulating data relating to the mouse colonies maintained. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Perform research work in medical and related technical areas, including, but not limited to: Tail bleeding, euthanasia, tissue collection, post-collection processing and providing care for animals. (30%)
  • Conduct analysis of samples using PCR, qPCR and Western Blot analysis; prepare general laboratory solutions for the Digestive Health Research Institute. RNA/DNA/protein extraction required. (20%)
  • Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments and maintain records of experiments, including but not limited to excellent record keeping for animal husbandry and colony maintenance. Observe animals during both research and husbandry processes and note and report anything unusual that may indicate problems with the animals such as health related problems, housing/caging, overcrowded conditions, food or water problems. (30%)
  • Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain equipment and animal rooms. Clean and keep areas (equipment, counters, sinks, carts, etc.) neat and free of clutter per United States Department of Agriculture and the AAALAC Guide. (10%)
  • Order laboratory supplies and set up supplies and equipment for animal husbandry activities for the institute's main and ancillary colonies. This includes, but is not limited to estimating colony needs, submitting 'cage request' forms for case and obtaining food, bedding and caging material from storage in anticipation and fulfillment of needs. (7%)

    • NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

  • Attend lab and research meetings. (1%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

    • CONTACTS 

    Department: Daily contact with supervisor, lab manager and other DHRI lab members to discuss research and maintain workflow. 

    University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

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

    Students: Occasional contact with student employees to exchange information.

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

    This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

    QUALIFICAITONS

    Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices and procedures within field of animal husbandry and experimental research.
  • Ability to rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. 
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance. 
  • Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve University animal research and care and comply with (ARC) policies and procedures as well as 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. 
  • Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally interact and work with colleagues, supervisors and customers face-to-face.
  • Strong organization skills: ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and follow-through. Must be willing to have emergency availability on a very occasional basis.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management. 
  • 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.
  • Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    • WORKING CONDITIONS

    General laboratory and vivarium environment. May have exposure to hazards. Handing of BSL-2 specimens/ animals/ projects is part of current job duties. When assigned to special areas housing animals, e.g., in microisolators, laminar flow hoods, those under quarantine or animals used for radioisotope, carcinogen or other biohazard research, wear protective clothing and observe special precautions as to handling and disposal of contaminated material per established protocols. Training will be provided as needed. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be needed to prevent exposure including gloves, lab coat, and eyewear.

    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 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.

    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.

    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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