Job Information
Case Western Reserve University Research Assistant 2 in Cleveland, Ohio
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. Research Assistant 2 will perform research to support and conduct mitochondrial-related mechanisms in neurodegeneration. The research assistant will use in vitro and in vivo disease models, pharmaceutical development, and other research tools. The research assistant will also assist in organizing data and participating in the lab meeting. The research assistant will work with mice such as mouse breeding, behavioral testing of mice, and surgical procedures in mice. Other work includes Western blotting and cell cultures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Work in the field of neurodegenerative diseases using cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as microbial cultures, mammalian cell cultures, plasmid preparations, DNA analysis, DNA transfections in mammalian cells, PCR and Real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and quantification and presentation of test results. (70%)
- Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. The research assistant will perform research work in mouse models of neurodegenerative disease by breeding mice, tattooing or ear tagging mice, genotyping mouse tails by PCR and Real-time PCR, maintaining mouse databases, surgery (pre-, intra-, and post-operative procedures), behavioral testing (10%)
- May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures for maintaining primary fibroblasts and cell line culture. Will help in improving tissue staining by immunohistochemistry and protein detection by Western blotting. The research assistant will collect and analyze data in the field of neurodegenerative diseases using cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as mammalian cell cultures, Western blotting, tissue and cell stating, and quantification and presentation of test results. This position will also train new staff; and direct the work of students on proper techniques for collecting and analyzing data. (10%)
- Oversee inventory. This position will maintain clear and organized notebooks documenting all procedures and results. Also maintain clear and organized databases of laboratory reagents (i.e. antibodies, plasmids, etc), surgical procedures, and animal genotypes. Maintain a chemical inventory in compliance with Environmental Health & Safety. Ensure that all laboratory documentation is updated and organized in compliance with Biosafety requirements. (5%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS
- Perform routine checks on instruments to ensure instruments are in working order and communicate with the supervisor and laboratory staff effectively. Train new staff; direct the work of students. (4%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with supervisor another other laboratory personnel to discuss research and maintain workflow.
University: Occasional contact with Biosafety, IACUC, and Animal Research Center to exchange information.
External: Infrequent contact with vendors to exchange information.
Students: Regular contact with undergraduate and graduate students to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.
QUALIFICATIONS
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.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
Relies on instructions and pre-estab