Research Assistant 1

at  Case Western Reserve University

QUALIFICAITONS

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

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures used in molecular and radiobiology.
2. Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data
3. 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.
4. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Centers mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
5. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
6. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
7. Ability to rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
8. Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
9. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
10. Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer programs as needed.
11. Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, supervisors and students face to face.
12. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab/research skills. Perform eukaryotic cell culture and biological experiments with the supervision and input of experienced research scientists. Conduct analysis of samples in the experiments which includes measuring cell proliferation rates (cell counting or live cell density monitoring), cell death (apoptosis by flow cytometry, nuclear condensation by microscopy, clonogenic survival, etc.), or immunofluorescence. Perform cell culture, tissues harvest and acquisition, DNA/RNA/protein extraction. Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments including but not limited to Cytation 5, inverted microscopes, and thermocyclers (40%)
2. Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments including proliferation rates, cell death, immunofluorescence, etc. Maintain records of the experiments to be able to recreate the experiment. (20%)
3. Assist with in vivo murine studies, which include specific experimental studies that require mammary fat pad injections and xenograft studies with drug administration to animals. The use of an orthovoltage radiation machine will be required in vivo and in vitro radiation experiments. (20%)
4. Order laboratory supplies which includes, but is not limited to pipettes, personal protective equipment (gloves), test tubs, etc. (10%)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.