Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, coordinate major activities in medical and related technical areas. The Research Assistant 4 will complete multiple experiments focused on understanding how genetic variation and environmental exposure (gut-brain-axis) predispose to neurodegenerative disorders including Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ensure strict adherence to all safety guidelines while dealing with hazardous substances, animal subject- and human subject-derived materials in the lab and will have the physical stamina and endurance to perform all associated tasks. This position will work with animals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Coordinate and carry out complex research assignments. Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures. Perform tissue culture, common molecular biology techniques and in vivo studies using mice. Coordinate and perform 1) isolation and processing of cells derived from mouse nervous tissue and immune tissues for histology, immunofluorescence, imaging and flow cytometry, 2) ex vivo culture of bone marrow derived macrophages and T cells for stimulations and quantitative analysis of protein, RNA, cellular composition and morphology and 3) Isolation of human blood and cerebrospinal fluid cells and biofluids for banking and molecular biology analysis. Evaluate adequacy of techniques and study and test new procedures. (45%)
Coordinate major activities of laboratory/ research. Collect and record data in laboratory computers for statistical analyses. Contribute to the generation of data figures for grant submissions and publication of manuscripts, as well as present data at group meetings. (15%)
Work closely with the principal investigator in helping to generate annual reports for granting agencies. Design and manage individual experiments, reporting these in a consistent fashion and in a timely manner, managing issues of the scientific method including positive and negative controls, reproducibility, sample size estimates, and refining techniques into standard operating procedures in the laboratory (10%)
Devise and utilize new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. These include developing and optimizing techniques to disrupt or enhance gene function in myeloid cells including mouse bone marrow derived macrophages and human iPS cell derived microglia using CRISPR/Cas9 or related anti-sense oligonucleotide technologies and visualizing changes in protein abundance and localization using real time imaging and analysis. (6%)
Participate in manuscript and grant writing, co-author research projects and provide data to the principle investigator for sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, grant and pilot applications (6%)
Perform general laboratory support tasks. Order and stock communal reagents and supplies, organize lab spaces and receive deliveries. Install, maintain, and repair complex equipment (6%)
May supervise research assistants and technicians or students proper tissue culture sterile technique and proper use of all lab equipment. Teach or instruct others in research techniques. Assist in developing procedures, coordinate information with others as needed. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform rodent animal husbandry including management of mouse cohorts through health monitoring, breeding, tagging, and genotyping. (3%)
Perform other duties as assigned, (3%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow
University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information and help enable collaborations. Interaction with regulatory components (IACUC, IBC, IRB)
External: Occasional contact with collaborators to help facilitate acquisition of human clinical samples
Students: Occasional contact with student employees to explain policies and procedures and ensure proper adherence to all legal, health and safety standards
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise research assistants and technicians.
REQUIREMENTS
Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.
Education: Bachelor's degree in science.
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.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field including strong molecular biology skills (PCR, western blots, retroviral/lentiviral constructs).
Prior experience working with animals is required.
Strong organizational skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and proven ability to follow through on assigned projects.
Willingness to work outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment.
Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the University.
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, ethical and a self-starter.
Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Graphpad Prism is preferred. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, R Studio and Flowjo is a plus.
Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete and easily retrievable laboratory data.
Must have the ability to willingly learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
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.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
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 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, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. Required to work with and handle research animals.
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