Research Assistant 1

at  Case Western Reserve University

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/ Experience: Bachelor’s degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate’s degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required. Master’s degree preferred. Prior experience with electrophysiology is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Common wet lab techniques (e.g., pipetting, preparing mixtures, etc.)
• Basic biology knowledge.
• Must be extremely careful and precise.
• Ability to understand scientific literature, experimental procedures and their limitations, and current needs of the research community.
• Ability to problem solve effectively and demonstrate good judgement and logical decision making and ability to implement alternative solutions as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required. Must demonstrate the ability to work with individuals from various backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written skills required.
• Excellent presentation skills; proven ability to effectively present and articulate information to groups or individually for informational and training purposes.
• Strong organizational skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize, give attention to detail, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and understand and employ issues of confidentiality and research ethics.
• Proven ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow up with appropriate individuals.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, database applications, and internet navigation. Ability to learn and apply software programs and applications as needed.
• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within neuroscience.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment (e.g., Plexon electrophysiology rig).
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and collaborators face to face.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab skills (e.g., pipetting) to investigate the mechanisms of photobiomodulation (PBM). Setup a workflow (e.g., all needed chemical solutions). For example, add drugs and or light to in vitro samples and monitor changes in electrophysiology. (45%)
• Monitor changes in electrophysiology. Run analysis such as rectified area under the curve. (20%)
• Record results and assuring quality signals are recorded. (10%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Prepare mixtures and maintain chemical solutions. Keep the lab running. (15%)
• Order laboratory supplies. (8%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. Assist other senior lab members with their experiments. (2%)