Research Assistant

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $17.65 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

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.

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in medical and related technical areas to support the DHRI's mission to ensure a better future for patients struggling with devastating digestive diseases, by translating novel basic science discoveries into our clinics. The research assistant will perform procedures and experiments according to specific, established laboratory protocols. The research assistant will provide research support to the entire Digestive Health Research Institute by performing research and animal husbandry procedures for the institute's colonies and collecting, recording and tabulating data relating to the mouse colonies maintained.

This position will work with animals.

• Perform research work in medical and related technical areas, including, but not limited to:
  Tail bleeding, euthanasia, tissue collection, post-collection processing and providing care for animals. (30%)
• Conduct analysis of samples using PCR, qPCR and Western Blot analysis; prepare general laboratory solutions for the Digestive Health Research Institute. RNA/DNA/protein extraction required. (20%)
• Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments and maintain records of experiments, including but not limited to excellent record keeping for animal husbandry and colony maintenance. Observe animals during both research and husbandry processes and note and report anything unusual that may indicate problems with the animals such as health related problems, housing/caging, overcrowded conditions, food or water problems.
  
  (30%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain equipment and animal rooms. Clean and keep areas (equipment, counters, sinks, carts, etc.) neat and free of clutter per United States Department of Agriculture and the AAALAC Guide. (10%)
• Order laboratory supplies and set up supplies and equipment for animal husbandry activities for the institute's main and ancillary colonies. This includes, but is not limited to estimating colony needs, submitting 'cage request' forms for case and obtaining food, bedding and caging material from storage in anticipation and fulfillment of needs. (7%)

• Attend lab and research meetings. (1%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

Department:
Daily contact with supervisor, lab manager and other DHRI lab members to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University:
Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External:
Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students:
Occasional contact with student employees to exchange information.

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

Education/

Experience:

Bachelor's degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices and procedures within field of animal husbandry and experimental research.
• Ability to rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve University animal research and care and comply with (ARC) policies and procedures as well as 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.
• Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally interact and work with colleagues, supervisors and customers face-to-face.
• Strong organization skills: ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and follow-through. Must be willing to have emergency availability on a very occasional basis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.
• Demonstrated history of successful…