Research Assistant 2 (part-time, 2 year term)

Salary Grade

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.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. The Research Assistant 2 will support an NIH-funded human biomarker discovery investigation being carried out by laboratory housed within the School of Nursing. The project aims to establish a set of cell free RNA-based diagnostic tests, one for the clinical laboratory, and one for the point-of-care, that could be used to rapidly identify stroke in emergency medicine settings. The research assistant will help maintain a biorepository of human specimens, and perform various molecular biology tasks such as DNA/RNA isolation, conventional/quantitative/digital PCR, and bacterial cloning as part of the larger overall project. This position will also order supplies, help maintain the laboratory space and equipment, and work to ensure/document regulatory compliance. This position plays a key role in executing experimental workflows and ensuring smooth lab operations

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. This includes but is not limited to: implementing workflows to isolate nucleic acids from human biofluids to prepare samples for downstream use in experiments and measure DNA and RNA in human biofluids using various nucleic acid amplification techniques such as quantitative PCR, digital PCR, and LAMP; using conventional PCR, bacterial cloning, and in vitro transcription to generate synthetic RNA standards for use in prototype diagnostic tests. (25%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Analize clinical specimens using prototype molecular diagnostic tests. (25%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. This includes but is not limited to assisting with the technical development and troubleshooting of prototype diagnostic tests. (10%)
• Collect and analyze data. Maintain experimental data using electronic databases and maintain records of experiments in a detailed electronic laboratory notebook. (20%)
• Oversee inventory. Order supplies and equipment. Maintain a biorepository of human specimens and ensure proper cataloging, storage, and organization. Coordinate the shipping and receiving of biological samples. Maintain a clean and organized lab environment and document compliance with State, Federal, and Institutional safety and biosafety regulations. (10%)
• Train new staff; direct the work of students which includes but is not limited to training on equipment use, policies and procedures in the lab and university. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

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

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Frequent contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

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-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• Strong theoretical and experiential understanding of basic molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular cloning.
• Experience working with human biofluids preferred.
• Strong attention to scientific detail and technical problem solving skills.
• Strong organization skills are a must, including the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory records.
• Ability to effectively manage time, multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a clean laboratory working environment.
• Above average computing skills and comfort using digital laboratory systems such as remote equipment monitoring systems, electronic inventory management solutions, electronic laboratory record keeping solutions, and cloud-based data storage solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel) is essential.
• Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the university.
• Must be self-motivated, and demonstrate a willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, and processes as needed.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. Will work with general chemicals and human biospecimens, and will need to take general laboratory and biosafety training (provided through Case Western Environmental Health and Safety office). Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

Term Position

This is a Term position. They are treated like regular staff positions for medical and dental benefits eligibility, vacation, holidays, and sick time. Term employees are not eligible for life insurance, retirement, long term disability, short term disability, tuition assistance, layoff status, or severance pay. Staff in term positions are also subject to the performance management review process and positive corrective action when work performance or behavior is unsatisfactory or unacceptable. Term employment does not alter the employment-at-will employee status of these employees.

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EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at ... to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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