Research Assistant 2

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research projects in accordance with general plans focused on understanding how genetic variation and environmental exposure (gut-brain-axis) predispose to neurodegenerative disorders including Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This individual will perform technical procedures and experiments according to specific instructions/protocols including flow cytometry, immunoblot, ELISA, qRT-PCR, and microscopy collected with aid by supervising staff. Data will be collected and recorded in laboratory computers for statistical analyses and the research assistant will contribute to the generation of data figures for grant submissions and publication of manuscripts, as well as present data at group meetings. This individual will pro-actively follow their job duties while adhering to and ensuring ethical compliance with all legal regulations. They will also ensure strict adherence to all safety guidelines while dealing with hazardous substances, animal subject- and human subject-derived materials in the lab and will have the physical stamina and endurance to perform all associated tasks. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out research assignments in accordance with general plans. Experiments may include tissue culture, common molecular biology techniques and in vivo studies using mice such as (1) isolation and processing of cells derived from mouse nervous tissues and immune tissues for histology, immunofluorescence, imaging and flow cytometry, (2) ex vivo culture of bone marrow derived macrophages for stimulations and quantitative analysis of protein, RNA, cellular composition and morphology and (3) in vitro culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells with directed differentiation into motor neurons and microglia using viral-mediated transcription factor expression and small molecule patterning, co-culture and electrophysiological assessment using multi-electrode arrays and optopatch (40%)

• Collect and analyze data. Provide data in a presentable format for use by the principle investigator and other lab members as they generate annual reports for granting agencies, manuscripts, and grant and pilot applications. 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 (20%)
• Perform duties concerning rodent animal husbandry. Manage mouse cohorts through health monitoring, breeding, tagging and genotyping (15%)

• Perform general laboratory support tasks including ordering and stocking communal reagents and supplies, organizing lab spaces and receiving deliveries. Install, maintain and repair complex equipment (10%).

• Perform regular quality controls of cell lines including genotyping and mycobacterium testing (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information and help enable collaborations. Limited interaction with regulatory components (IACUC, IBC, IRB)

External: Occasional contact with vendors to procure supplies

Students: Occasional contact with student employees to explain policies and procedures and ensure proper adherence to all legal, health and safety standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Bachelor’s degree in science and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate’s degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field including strong molecular biology skills (PCR, western blots, retrovirial/lentiviral constructs).

• Prior experience working with animals is required

• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job

• Ability to operate lab equipment

• Ability to meet consistent attendance

• Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face-to-face

• Strong organizational skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and proven ability to follow through on assigned projects

• Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, ethical and a self-starter.

• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

• Proficiency in general computer programs. Microsoft Office and Graphpad Prism is preferred. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Zen and Flowjo is a plus.

• Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete and easily retrievable laboratory data.

• Must have the ability to willingly learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.

• 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.

• Must demonstrate compassion for animals within University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.

• Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The employee is required to work with and handle research animals and may have exposure to hazards. The employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, sleeves and lab coat. Working conditions will require working at the bench and tissue culture hood in a molecular genetics/neuroinflammation laboratory, working with mice in the laboratory and in the animal facility, and when needed working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment.

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 SOM 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.