POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of laboratory and research skills. The research assistant will primarily be responsible for running cell cultures and working with animal models of disease. These duties will be performed in the lab to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cancer cell plasticity and growth. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform research work, generate and conduct analysis of samples on specific mouse cancer cell function in vitro and in vivo. Work with animal models of disease, including xenografts modeling cancer; this includes genotyping appropriate handling of mice and measuring xenograft tumors with calipers. In vitro work will include standard tissue culture technique such as passaging cells and counting cells and harvesting RNA and protein from cells in culture for qPCR and western blotting. (65%)
2. Record results of experiments and maintain experimental records in Lab Archives, a provided online electronic lab notebook. (10%)
3. Monitor and maintain test equipment utilized in experiments to ensure that it is clean and fully functional. Report to senior lab personnel any equipment malfunction. (10%)
4. Monitor laboratory supplies necessary for completion of experiments, order depleted supplies using in house ordering system and restock newly ordered supplies as they arrive. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

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 principle investigators from other departments and centers across the Case Western Reserve University campus to exchange information. External: Occasional 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

Help with training of undergraduate students as necessary.  

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 0 to 1 years of experience in an academic research laboratory or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Experience with cell culture.

Knowledge of standard laboratory practices.

Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills; ability to effectively work with various individuals throughout the department, school, university and individuals external to the university.

Detail oriented and ability to multi-task and prioritize work in order to meet deadlines.

Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic and self-motivation.

Ability to work in a team environment in order to achieve a goal or complete a task.

The desire and ability to learn new techniques specific to the research.

Ability to meet consistent attendance.

Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.

Previous experience working with animals preferred.

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.

Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Anim