Research Assistant 3 Tissue Engineering

at  Case Western Reserve University

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Experience with aseptic protocols and procedures involving human and/or animal cells.
2. Ability to keep accurate and up to date information.
3. Ability to operate common laboratory equipment including bioreactors.
4. Ability to maintain consistent attendance.
5. Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisor face to face.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
7. Good/strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
8. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
9. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate, sound judgment and good decision- making.
10. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate laboratory and research activities. Perform long term bioreactor expansion of engineered tissues and maintain bioreactor systems. (30%)
2. Work closely with the principal investigators in managing tissue engineering research, resolving questions and correcting scientific errors. Design and manage individual
   experiments, reporting these in a consistent fashion and in a timely manner, managing issues of the scientific method including positive and negative controls, reproducibility, sample size estimate valuation, trends and troubleshooting, and refining techniques into standard operating procedures in the laboratory. (20%)
3. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Specific experimental studies will require the ability to perform cell expansion and biomaterial seeding, tissue culture, biochemical assays, immunofluorescence performance and analysis, and flow cytometry performance and analysis. Maintain accurate records of the data obtained.Compile and analyze the data obtained. (15%)
4. Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. These include characterizing the performance of bioreactor systems for the expansion of engineered tissues and biomaterial seeding. (9%)
5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques and provide feedback on experimental design. Record results using appropriate software, such as Excel. Prepare and present results to
   supervisors. Optimize and troubleshoot procedures to comply with expected outcomes. (8%)
6. May supervise students and technicians in the completion of experiments and compilation and reporting of results. (6%)
7. May co-author research projects in support of the principal investigators as the outcomes
   and circumstances of the program permit. (6%)
8. May monitor the laboratory budget. Monitor supply needs and consumption and
   communicate re-order requirements to project administrators. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Maintain lab equipment and proper lab operation. (2%)
2. Order general laboratory supplies and maintain inventory. (2%)
3. Prepare solutions, buffers, culture media, and maintain liquid nitrogen tanks, CO 2 tanks, and incubators etc. (2%)
4. Perform other assigned duties. (4%)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may include limited supervision of staff technicians. The employee may be asked to train new hires.