POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, the Senior Research Assistant 1 will carry out research work in the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences as part of the newly launched Institute for Glial Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. This work will be done within groups of talented biologists developing novel approaches to answer key questions central to understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern normal and pathologic cell states in neurological and gut disorders. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Carry out experiments according to specific instructions of the principal investigator. Assist with planning experiments. These will include isolating primary cells from mice and grow in culture. Conduct analysis of samples to measure specific mouse cell function in vitro and in vivo. (25%)
2. Collaborate with lab staff and principal investigator to conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. May conduct specific experiments and tasks independently. Scientific experiments will include primary tissue culture, stem-cell derived tissue culture, immunohistochemistry, harvesting RNA and protein from cells, western blotting, and quantitative rtPCR. Organize samples and analyze data to contribute to large projects. Provide interpretation of data and suggest potential improvements to techniques and procedures. (20%)
3. Will work with animal models of disease. This will include genotyping by PCR, performing animal husbandry, performing drug injections, collecting tissues of interest. (20%)
4. Maintain records of experiments. Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Record results and maintain experimental records in Lab Archives, a provided online electronic lab notebook. (10%)
5. May assist in training new staff and students on lab operations and maintenance, may direct the work of students. (10%)
6. Maintain certain equipment and/or facilities to ensure cleanliness and functionality. Report to senior lab personnel any equipment malfunction. (6%)
7. Manage supplies of the lab, including inventory and submitting orders as requested. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and laboratory principal investigator to maintain workflow.
University: Occasional contacts with other lab personnel, department assistants, and principal investigators from other departments and centers across the Case Western Reserve University campus to exchange information.
External: Frequent contact with outside vendors to exchange information as needed.
Students: Regular contact with laboratory undergraduate and graduate students to maintain laboratory supplies and experiments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervise undergraduate researchers within the lab as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: Bachelor of science degree and at least 6 months of experience in an academic research laboratory, or an Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and at least 1 year experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Experience with cell culture.
2. Knowledge of standard laboratory practices.
3. Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.
4. Excellent organization and record keeping.
5. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
6. Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve 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.
7. 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.
8. Interpersonal skills; ability to effectively work with various individuals throughout the department, school, university and individuals external to the university.
9. Detail oriented and ability to multi-task and prioritize work in order to meet deadlines.
10. Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and self-motivation.
11. Ability to work in a team environment in order to achieve a goal or complete a task.
12. The desire and ability to learn new techniques specific to the research.
13. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
14. Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The research assistant will work in a general laboratory environment and be exposed to general chemicals and blood-borne pathogens. Laboratory safety and blood-borne pathogen training is required and will be provided. Required personal protective equipment includes a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate and will be provided. Training in work with animal models of disease is required and will be provided.

Case Western Reserve University 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 School of Medicine 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.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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