Senior Research Assistant 1

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 $19.32 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 general supervision, carry out research project according to specific instruction. The Senior Research Assistant 1 will carry out research projects in the regulatory mechanisms and functions of arginine methylation in cancer progression to support the lab¿s mission of advancing the knowledge and therapeutic strategies of arginine methylation. This position will work with animals.

Essential Functions

• Carry out experiments according to specific instructions. Assist with planning experiments. Perform molecular biology and cell culture experiments, including DNA/RNA purification, plasmid construction, PCR, RT-qPCR, cell culture, transfection, protein exaction, immunoprecipitation, western blot, cell proliferation, and colony formation. (30%)
• Collaborate with lab staff and principal investigator to conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. May conduct specific experiments and tasks independently. Work in collaboration with lab postdoc fellows and the principal investigator to design and perform experiments to address key research questions in the arginine methylation research field. Participate in the development and optimization of protocols, preparation of reagents, setup of experimental systems, maintain cell lines and mouse lines. Independently carry out projects and prepare for publications. (30%)
• Organize samples and analyze data in order to contribute to larger projects. Provide interpretation of data and suggest potential improvements to techniques and procedures. Catalog, label, and store DNA, RNA and cell samples to ensure traceability and integrity throughout the research process. Process raw experimental data using appropriate analytical tools and software, such as image J and Excel, and applying statistical methods where necessary to evaluate results. Interpret data within the hypothesis of the projects, identify inconsistencies, and provide suggestions to improve experimental conditions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall research quality. (15%)
• Maintain certain equipment and/or facilities, including centrifuges, imagers, nanodrops, microscope, and cell culture room. (10%)
• Manage supplies of the lab, including inventory and submitting orders as requested. (6%)
• May assist in training new staff and students on lab operations and maintenance; direct the work of students. (6%)
  
  
  

Nonessential Functions

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.

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

Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. May assist in training new staff; direct the work of students.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 6 months of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 1 year of experience required.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment, including pipettes, centrifuges, plate readers, cell culture hoods, imager, and microscope.
• 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.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred.
• 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.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards associated with cell culture work. Work with animal models (mice) may be required. Standard personal protective equipment including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. May have to occasionally go in on the weekend for cell culture maintenance.

Case Western Reserve University's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and are 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.

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.