Research Assistant 3

at  Case Western Reserve University

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required; molecular biology, mouse or zebrafish experience preferred.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Molecular biology or zebrafish knowledge is important.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment, specifically work with zebrafish facility equipment.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to work weekends as needed.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred.
• 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.
• Ability to perform microscopy on live animals. Must demonstrate compliance with universities 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 be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health of the animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Conduct basic operations of the zebrafish facility; Keep track of and care for ~10,000 laboratory zebrafish; Carry out complex research genetic breeding schemes; Participate in cleaning zebrafish facility; Breeding zebrafish stocks; Maintain zebrafish lab and equipment maintain fish database, ordering, participate in feeding and cleaning, etc. Organize zebrafish lab; Maintain fish database. (30%)
• Work closely with the principal investigator. Serve as a liaison between zebrafish facility and other labs. (7%)
• Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Participate in the generation of knockout and transgenic zebrafish using cutting edge techniques by use of microinjection; use confocal microscope; maybe perform electrophysiology. (30%)
• Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Perform in situ hybridization; Contribute to research projects by performing experiments and adding ideas. (7%)
• Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. This includes analyzing confocal and hearing test data. (6%)
• May supervise students and technicians. This will include zebrafish and molecular biology training. (7%)
• May co-author research projects on hearing, deafness, and balance research. (6%)
• May monitor the laboratory budget. Monitor the laboratory budget and help with ordering material for the lab and fish facility. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned which includes but are not limited to keep track of zebrafish bill to other labs; respond to phone calls; respond to fish facility emergencies at all times (coordinated with other students and technicians.; Feed fish and do experiments on weekend when necessary. (1%)