Shared Laboratory Resource Specialist I – Gnotobiotics/Hajjar Lab

Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.  

The Gnotobiotics Facility provides resources and support for studies that investigate the role of distinct microbial members. In the Hajjar Lab, we study how microbiota influence immunity by using germ-free mice and introducing different collections of microbes to identify which ones alter immune responses. Currently, our research focuses on how the gene mutated in cystic fibrosis selects for specific microbiota that, in turn, drive changes in barrier function and immune responses. As a Shared Laboratory Resource Specialist I, you will perform a variety of laboratory activities independently with minimal supervision at a moderate scientific complexity level, serving as a key support to facility operations and research teams. In this role, you will provide basic research assistance under the general guidance of the manager and PI for projects utilizing germ-free and gnotobiotic mice, including those colonized with defined microbiota or BSL2 agents. You will also independently follow proper procedures and SOPs, maintain equipment, complete assigned duties, and carry out special projects as needed.

This position offers the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research that benefits humanity and provides exposure to innovative scientific projects.

Read more about the Hajjar Lab: https://www.lerner.ccf.org/cardiovascular-metabolic/hajjar/#lab-investigator

A caregiver in this position works days from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

• Work with more senior mentors with any questions, training, or other learning requirements to successfully complete assigned work. 

• Work independently or with a more senior mentor, conduct, and evaluate experiments, assays, or other laboratory activities of low to moderate complexities. 

• Calculate, compile, and communicate data to the Core leadership or internal customer. 

• Perform quality assurance on all assigned activities per procedures or SOPs. 

• Perform intake functions for the laboratory such as logging of samples and service requests, and the dissemination of basic information to users (i.e., minimum requirements for services, costs, etc.).  

• Record work accurately and completely. 

• Maintain established laboratory inventories, ordering materials as necessary 

• Prepare and operate equipment for experiments, assays, measurements, etc.  

• Assist in performing minor equipment repairs, according to manufacturer and Core guidelines. 

• Clean and perform general maintenance on equipment, according to established protocols. 

• Support the execution and facilitation of specialized services. 

• Provide custodial care, fresh feed, and fresh water to gnotobiotic mice according to standard operating procedures, including preparation and autoclaving of supplies.

• Maintain animal colonies, including animal procurement, colony/line maintenance, and cage inventory.

• Perform established mouse microbial transplantation assays and tissue harvests.

• Perform quality control procedures to monitor sterility.

• Organize and maintain detailed notes on all procedures and autoclave readouts.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• Associate’s degree in a relevant scientific field  

• OR two years of relevant experience 

• Certification in appropriate field may be required per department or core protocol within one year of hire 

• After selection and placement into this position, up to six months of on-the-job training required to become familiar with laboratory techniques, procedures and research protocols

• Critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal
  supervision

• Ability to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or related field

• One year of experience in a research or related laboratory environment

• Comfortable handling mice

• One year of experience handling mice in the research environment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and transport supplies, equipment, and/or animals weighing up to 50 pounds; frequent standing, bending, and walking; must be able to tolerate unpleasant odors, sights, animal bites, and scratches

• May be required to stand for long periods of time

• Normal physical requirements include good near visual acuity and color acuity

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

• Personal protective equipment in the Gnotobiotics facility requires employees to wear a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) which requires medical clearance.

Pay Range

Salaries [which may be] shown on independent job search websites reflect various market averages and do not represent information obtained directly from The Cleveland Clinic. Because we value each individual candidate, we invite and encourage each candidate to discuss salary/hourly specifics during the application and hiring process.