Research Assistant 4

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Research Assistant 4 will coordinate major activities in medical and related technical areas, working with other staff members in the Tissue Resources Core (TRC) to primarily perform tissue acquisition and data entry for human tissue procurement services. Discarded human tissue from surgery is systematically acquired and distributed to medical researchers located on the Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center campus and other academic and commercial institutions throughout the United States. Investigators are highly dependent on this tissue service to obtain samples for biomedical research. The major objectives related to this position are to: 1) participate in the procurement, preparation, and distribution of requested tissue samples to both internal and external researchers; 2) enter patient and biospecimen information into a variety of databases used by the Tissue Resources Core with high accuracy; and 3) obtain and de‑identify corresponding pathology reports for dissemination with samples. The research assistant will be involved in several major activities being conducted in the core laboratory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Coordinate major activities of laboratory/research with the Tissue Resources Core and University Hospitals surgical pathology staff to obtain discarded human tissue for distribution to researchers. Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures. Collect tissues from the frozen section room, cutting room, and autopsy suite at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Manage the dispatch and prompt retrieval of specimen carriers from operating rooms, ensuring efficient transport and delivery of carriers to the Surgical Pathology department for examination. Protected Health Information (PHI) is obtained when reviewing surgical schedules, performing the collection of tissues, and accessing surgical pathology reports; patient records are highly confidential, and release of any patient information requires special Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals. Assist in developing procedures, coordinate information with others as needed, and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Co‑author research projects. Manage research results, keep detailed and highly accurate records in the laboratory. Produce accurate and complete donor and biospecimen records; these records are printed by hand onto authorization forms and entered into various secure databases. Enter information daily into a biospecimen management software program (LabMatrix). Manage the printing and de‑identifying of surgical pathology and autopsy reports in a timely manner. Coordinate and maintain records of experiments; training on Human Subjects Research and the handling of patient‑related information is provided and required to comply with IRB and HIPAA regulations. May supervise research assistants and technicians; teach or instruct others in research techniques. Organize, label, and file quality control H&E slides for collected research samples and paraffin block inventory. Organize, label, and keep detailed records of tissue blocks and frozen tissues stored in liquid nitrogen freezers. Identify researchers who are requesting a particular type of tissue, assign tissues on a rotating basis within a defined prioritization scheme, contact laboratories to confirm that a researcher can accept a sample, and assist in sample packaging and distribution. Maintain strict patient confidentiality, a critical aspect of the job for all individuals working in the Tissue Resources Core.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Perform routine lab maintenance, including cleaning equipment and lab ware; dispose of biohazardous waste. Manage the organization of biospecimen freezers and order liquid nitrogen. Oversee the ordering of laboratory supplies; maintain stock reagents, supplies, and inventory used in the facility for tissue procurement, histology, and immunohistochemistry assays as needed for certain experiments. Manage the distribution of annual questionnaires, periodic surveys, and flyers; also provide help with mass mailings conducted for marketing purposes. Responsible for covering tissue procurement and other lab activities while other employees are on vacation or out sick. Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact is made with the manager of operations and other TRC personnel, surgical pathologists, medical residents, morticians, and histology personnel associated with the Pathology department. Regular contact is also made with operating room control desk nurses. University: Regular contact is made with individual laboratories to alert them of potential sample acquisition, to arrange for sample delivery, and to discuss changes in protocols. External: Occasional contact with outside tissue networks and researchers are needed to arrange for shipping of tissues and to obtain current information for records. Students: Occasional contact is made with students working on tissue‑based research and who are authorized to collect samples on behalf of the primary investigator.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise research assistants and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required. Education: Bachelor’s degree in science.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Knowledge and understanding of general anatomy and physiology. Familiar with medical terminology. Proficient in Microsoft Office and other database applications. Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy. Good organization skills; ability to multi‑task, and work in a busy laboratory environment. Good interpersonal skills: ability to work and communicate with various individuals within the university and hospital. Previous experience working in a laboratory environment. Must comply with the policies and precautions of both the university and hospital. Ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively within a team. Effective problem‑solving skills. Willingness to learn new computer programs and laboratory techniques. 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. 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. Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies. Ability to meet consistent attendance. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face‑to‑face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment with direct exposure to blood‑borne pathogens, human and animal tissues, formaldehyde and other potentially hazardous chemicals. Read and understand Case Western Reserve University’s Laboratory Safety Manual and laboratory specific Chemical Hygiene Plan and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan; complete training online or attend annual safety training sessions. Work in the lab involves handling of human tissues potentially containing pathogens such as Hepatitis, HIV, and tuberculosis. Preparation, preservation, and storage of tissues also involves use of liquid nitrogen, formaldehyde, and other chemicals; maintain strict adherence to universal precautions, work area decontamination procedures, specific chemical safety policies, and housekeeping is required. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. #J-18808-Ljbffr