Research Assistant 2

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 $19.41 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 general supervision, plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. The Research Assistant 2 will perform research in cancer biology and radiation therapy resistance using in vitro and in vivo models. This position supports ongoing projects that investigate how therapeutic agents can affect response of cancer cells exposed to radiation. The research assistant will work with human and murine cells and animal models, performing molecular and cellular biology assays and supporting data analysis.

The research aims to identify novel therapeutic agents, contributing to the program's mission to improve cancer treatment and radiation therapy efficacy through translational research. This position will involve working with animals. This position may involve training required for irradiation of small animal model.

• Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Perform basic molecular and cellular biology techniques including PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, Western blotting, and cell culture. Perform microscopy imaging of treated cells. Carry out animal handling, drug treatment, tumor measurement, and tissue dissection in mouse models. Conduct DNA damage assessment related assays, gene knockdown, cell death and apoptosis measurement assays. (35%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Maintain well-organized, clearly labeled lab protocols and digital files. Ensure reproducibility and traceability of experiments, and experimental results and materials . Perform regular maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment including biosafety cabinets, tissue culture hoods, centrifuges, and pipettes. Clean instruments after use and coordinate service schedules when needed.
  
  (20%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Accurately and promptly document improved experimental conditions, results, and observations in lab notebooks and digital records. Compile data for internal presentations and prepare analytical figures using provided software
  ¿ s. (15%)
• Collect and analyze data. Analyze tissue sections via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Perform flow cytometry, and ELISA assays. Evaluate histological, molecular, and DNA readouts from both in vitro and in vivo experiments. (10%)
• Oversee inventory. Monitor and order reagents, antibodies, consumables, animals, and animal-related supplies. Maintain compliance with institutional chemical and biological safety inventory protocols. (10%)
• Train new staff; direct the work of students. Provide orientation, basic lab training, demonstrating basic sterile techniques, animal procedure to new lab staff and students (6%)

Perform other duties as assigned. Assist in training students, residents and junior lab members. Participate in lab meetings and collaborative projects. (4%)

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

University:
Occasional contact with other departments to share information. Occasional contact with other departments and delivery of samples if needed.

External:
Limited with vendors to exchange information.

Students:
Contact with student employees to exchange information.

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.

Education/

Experience:

Bachelor's degree 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.

• Has knowledge of commonly‑used biomedical research concepts and practices. Family with basic sterile procedures involved in cell culture, bacteria culture, protein and DNA/RNA samples processing.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as tissue culture incubators, hoods,…