Research Assistant 3

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $47,476 and $58,234, 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 limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas. The TRC, Histology Services, Research Assistant 3, will perform the daily technical duties and associated operational functions of the facility that provides tissue processing, tissue sectioning and histochemical staining of human and animal tissues for researchers within the Case Western Reserve University community.

• Coordinate laboratory/research activities. Carry out routine and non-routine histology protocols tailored to meet the specific needs of individual research projects for tissue processing, embedding and sectioning and staining for morphologic studies. (60%)
• Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Perform quality control for adequacy and consistency of prepared tissue blocks (frozen and paraffin embedded) and slides for each job request; prepare all histology solutions for routine processing and staining; maintain adequate inventory of chemicals and all non-chemical materials to provide timely service request turn around. (20%)
• Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Lend support to TRC manager in performing routine immunohistochemistry protocols. Assist TRC manager in the construction and marketing of Tissue Microarrays. (5%)
• Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data. Assist in modification of established histology protocols and techniques for specific and unique research project requirements in consultation with each investigator. (5%)
• Work closely with the principal investigator. Works with limited supervision, but in routine coordination with the TRC principal investigator/director, manager, and core staff. (5%)
• May monitor the laboratory budget and perform billing services for all HCF users including validation of speed types or external accounts with investigators through the campus wide iLab system. (5%)

May co-author research projects. (May supervise students and technicians. (Perform other duties as assigned. (

• Department:
  Daily contact with TRC Core Director, other TRC staff, and University Hospitals Pathology and Histology laboratory to discuss research and maintain workflow.
• University:
  Occasional contact with other departments to share information. Routine contact with research staff, graduate students, fellows and faculty requesting histology services to coordinate and record incoming requests and dispensing of completed project materials.
• External:
  Limited contact with vendors or service personnel to exchange information or request equipment repairs.
• Students:
  Contact with student employees to exchange information.

May supervise students and technicians.

Experience:

3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education:

Bachelor of Science degree required.

• Requires basic knowledge of human and animal histology and chemistry.
• Working knowledge and competency with computer Microsoft Office documents, Word, Excel, Power Point.
• Ability to operate all laboratory equipment according to specified manufacture instructions and all safety…