Research Assistant 1 (one year term)

About the role

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform basic Molecular Immunology experiments and research work for oral immune health studies in the laboratory. The research assistant will provide technical assistance in basic laboratory techniques processing clinical specimens, preparing and autoclaving reagents, calibrating devices, and managing the oral health research documents in the lab. This position will follow all policies and procedures to ensure the integrity and quality of the scientific and dental research data. This position will work with animals. This is a one-year term position.

Pay

The starting wage rate is $17.65 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Benefits

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Responsibilities

• Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills. Collect, manage and process biological specimens, collect qualitative and quantitative study data. (20%)
• Conduct analysis of samples. Perform cell culture, flow cytometry staining of cells, qPCR and ELISA for collecting data from the biological (human and mouse) specimens. (50%)
• Maintain records of experiments. Work closely with the principal investigators, research associates, and students to ensure compliance with experiment protocols and maintain inventory the samples and reagents. (10%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Prepare and autoclave reagents, and calibrate devices. (8%)
• Order laboratory supplies. (8%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

Contacts

• Department: Continuous contact with the principal investigator, other research staff and administrative staff to exchange information.
• University: Occasional contact with other departments to exchange information.
• External: Occasional contact with vendors regarding supply orders.
• Students: Regular contact with students to exchange information.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

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.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve 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.
• 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.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

Working Conditions

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to biohazards. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. Case Western Reserve University's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to School of Medicine Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.