Research Associate

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This is a key position within the lab and will be responsible for planning and execution of experiments in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator. The lab is working closely together with other PI's in Pathology and school of medicine including collaborations with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, physicists and clinicians at CWRU and neighboring institutes. The qualified candidate will prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data, background and significance and experimental design for grant proposals.

The focus of the current position is acute myeloid leukemia. Goal is to discover novel molecular mechanisms that could be targeted to develop new therapeutic approaches. Regulation of cellular signaling by hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, O-GlcNAcylation and NF-kB transcription pathways are key areas of attention. The work will involve experimental techniques ranging from basic cell and molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry to cell culture, animal studies and patient samples. Experience with mouse models and flow cytometry is required. The candidate will work independently and should be competent to read the literature, assist with designing and planning of projects and carry out research on the assigned project. Expected to apply/secure training fellowships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Design, plan and carry out experiments in collaboration with PI. Provide assistance and work closely with staff, post-doctoral scholars and graduate students ensuring projects are being completed according to the research plan. Advise/Assist in developing improved techniques, project methods, or procedures.(40%)

2. Oversee general lab operations including inventory, lab organization and maintain certain equipment/facilities. Must demonstrate compliance with policies, procedures and regulations of the Animal Resource Center, IACUC, Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines for which essential training will be provided. (30%)

3. Analyze and record results. Assist in manuscript preparation. (10%)

4. Perform/supervise rodent husbandry including breeding, genotyping and maintain an accurate animal database.(10%)

5. Present results in laboratory meetings and other scientific meetings.(10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned. (1>%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with the Animal Resource Center, Contact with other departments as needed

External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed

Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibilities. Will train and provide oversight to lab staff and students.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to biosafety level 2 hazards, such as chemicals, mammalian cells, bacteria used for plasmid DNA preparations, and viral vectors. This position will be in contact with live mice and mouse tissues. Biosafety and IACUC training in addition to basic lab standard training will be required.

Case's 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 SOM 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.

Education/Experience: Ph.D in biological sciences with hands-on experience in Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and mouse work. Ph.D without or with postdoctoral experience and demonstrated research ability in the form of lead author publications.

Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in the field of immunology, Biochemistry, and Cell Biology.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Ability to work well with others and to work independently strictly following directions and protocols.

2. Ability to collect and analyze data with attention to detail and do multiple tasks simultaneously.

3. Effective oral and written communication skills. Must be able to effectively communicate with the PI/supervisor as well as other lab members.

4. Good interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the University.

5. Good organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy and follow-through on assigned tasks.

6. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.

7. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

8. Good problem-solving skills; must demonstrate good analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making.

9. Ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

10. Ability to operate laboratory equipment and learn to operate new instruments

11. Familiarity with policies and procedures of lab and chemical safety

12. Knowledge in Microsoft Office, database applications, and with internet navigation.

13. Willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and software programs as needed.

14. Ability to organize, maintain and prepare accurate records

15. Must be willing to adjust working hours according to the nature of ongoing experiments and many times work extended hours to finish the experiments. Working on weekends and holidays maybe required depending on the ongoing experiments and need to accelerate data generation and manuscript and grant preparations.

16. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.

17. Self driven effort in terms of thinking, planning, and working is expected.

18. Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU 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.

19.Must demonstrate compassion for animals within CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.

20.Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Ph.D in biological sciences with hands-on experience in Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and mouse work. Ph.D without or with postdoctoral experience and demonstrated research ability in the form of lead author publications.

Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in the field of immunology, Biochemistry, and Cell Biology.

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 annual salary is $55,000-$65,000, 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.