Research Assistant 3

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $46,035 and $58,234, 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 limited supervision, coordinate research work that focuses on microbial metabolomics, immune-microbiome crosstalk, and therapy resistance in cancer, with a strong emphasis on clinical translation and leveraging AI driven discovery with the goal to develop biomarkers and therapeutic strategies that meaningfully improve patient outcomes. The work is translational, leveraging clinical trials, patient samples, and mechanistic studies to build a microbiome-metabolite-based biomarker panel for predicting and targeting resistance to immunotherapy and targeted therapies. This position will work with humans, mice, tissue and other biological samples. This position will work with animals.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate lab/research activities. Function as a key scientific member in a growing translational oncology laboratory. Plan, troubleshoot, and execute translational research while also helping establish core workflows for a new lab. Take ownership of some projects, collaborate with other team members on others, anticipate needs, and maintain momentum even when the principal investigator is attending clinical duties. After completing all training and credentialing requirements, Facilitate consenting patients, call patients, collect samples and process it in a time sensitive manner, maintain accurate documentation of consent and other clinical variables. Write and review IRB and IACUC protocols , follow their regulatory guidelines and training, Conduct all procedures associated with patient accrual to clinical studies, in a timely fashion. Process human and mice samples- blood, tissue, fecal pellets, single cell suspension. (30%)
2. Work closely with the principal investigator and other team members in the lab. Translational research include understanding and performing analytic techniques to answer mechanistic questions including metabolomics (preferred), PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, ELISA, microbiome sequencing. Perform mice studies including germ free and specific pathogen free mice--all aspects including but not limited to cell line culture, expansion., injection to mice, tumor size, oral gavages, euthanasia, tumor and tissue collection, mice breeding, weaning etc. Conduct experiments may include fecal microbiota transfer preparation. Maintain accurate and timely records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the principal investigator based on analysis. Support and coordinate the work of other lab members, ensure that the PI is kept informed of project progress, and uphold a culture of rigor, accountability, and scientific integrity. Co-author translational research projects under the supervision of principal investigator. Participate and if applicable lead in manuscript , protocol and grant writing, co-author research projects and provide data to the principal investigator for sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, grant and pilot applications. (25%)
3. Carry out or lead complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Assist the PI in and independently develop new techniques and protocols which may include (but not limited to) immunology, microbiome, metabolomics, microscopy, new methods to collect samples that ensure fidelity, reproducibility and/or ease of use. Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data reliably and reproducibly. Co-author translational research projects under the supervision of principal investigator. (10%)
4. Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving high degree of skill and training. Use machine learning and coding in automating and improving lab efficiency and research output in terms of quality, reproducibility and pace. Identify new ways to conduct metabolomics on immune and tumor cells, develop nonstandard techniques to identify cell types and measure their metabolic pathways. (10%)
5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Analyze sequencing, metabolomics, PCR, FACS, immunofluorescence data etc. Maintain experimental records on all activities, protocols, data, etc. in a timely and accurate fashion with very high fidelity. (10%)
6. Monitor lab budget. Order supplies. Perform day-to-day lab maintenance that includes lab cleanliness, upkeep, washing, sterilization to most up-to-date research standards. Identify lab needs, order supplies in a fiscally responsible manner, prevent waste and keep an updated digital inventory of samples, reagents and all supplies. Operate laboratory equipment in professional manner. Undergo necessary training to accomplish the tasks required. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervise students and technicians. Train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure pro jects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate training for lab members with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and others, as needed. (4%)
2. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily interaction with PI and lab members; coordination with collaborating faculty and administrative staff.

University: Regular communication with other laboratories, the Animal Resource Center, clinical staff, and institutional support teams.

External: Occasional communication with vendors, collaborators, and funding agencies.

Students: Oversight and training of graduate and undergraduate students working in the lab.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians.


QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor's degree in science


REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Proficiency with wet lab and attention to detail is a critical requirement for this position. The single most important qualification is an innate attention to detail. Ability to notice inconsistencies, values accuracy, and takes pride in producing high-quality, reproducible work.
2. Intellectually curious, adaptable, organized, proactive, and eager to learn. Ability to troubleshoot experiments, think critically, and continuously improve processes. High scientific judgment and independent decision-making, Initiative, problem-solving, and the ability to navigate roadblocks, consistent follow-through and project completion, reliability, proactive communication, and mature time management, ability to balance laboratory and clinical research tasks.
3. Metabolomics experience including working knowledge of LCMS is strongly preferred. Prefer experience with immunology, microbiome, data science or a combination of these.
4. Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide range of wet lab techniques (PCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, cell culture, sterile technique, sample processing, metabolite extraction, etc.).
5. Must be hands-on, adaptable, and able to independently navigate experimental challenges.
6. Ability to interpret data, identify patterns, evaluate mechanistic hypotheses, and provide clear scientific recommendations.
7. Excellent written and oral communication; must be able to communicate professionally with the principal investigator, lab members, collaborators, administrative staff, and external partners.
8. Ability to manage multiple complex projects, prioritize tasks, maintain meticulous records, and meet evolving deadlines.
9. Attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through are essential.
10. Must be able to work effectively under pressure and adapt to shifting timelines inherent to scientific research.
11. Ability to train and guide junior lab members, troubleshoot experiments with them, and support a cohesive team environment.
12. Must demonstrate maturity, reliability, and scientific judgment.
13. Must function independently in planning, conducting, and troubleshooting experiments while also being collaborative.
14. Must demonstrate creativity, agile thinking, and the ability to anticipate and resolve problems.
15. Competence with basic computing and active interest to learn and apply AI-assisted workflows, lab automation tools, and data analysis and database systems.
16. Experience with R or Python is a plus, however if the candidate does not have prior experience, he/she will need to learn.
17. Ability to demonstrate 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.
18. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
19. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
20. Must demonstrate compliance with 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.
21. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
22. Previous experience working with animals preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a research-intensive position that requires work in clinical environment, within BSL-2 laboratory environments, core facilities, and animal facilities. The role involves handling biological specimens (human and mouse), infectious materials, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. The position requires comfort with working in environments that include clinics or patient rooms , animal research facilities, including germ-free and SPF mouse colonies, Long, complex in vivo studies with time-sensitive procedures, Laboratory equipment such as biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, cryogenic freezers, flow cytometers, etc. Exposure to standard laboratory hazards including chemicals, biological agents, and sharps (with all appropriate PPE provided) may be involved. A commitment to the pace and demands of translational science, which may not always fit within a traditional 9¿5 schedule, given the needs of clinical studies, time-sensitive collection and processing of clinical samples and mice studies.

Because many experiments, particularly clinical and mouse studies, operate on biological and experimental timelines rather than strict business hours, certain procedures may occasionally require early mornings, evenings, or weekend work to maintain scientific integrity and animal welfare. This reflects the nature of translational and in-vivo research rather than an expectation of constant extended hours.

Mobility between buildings on campus and access to core facilities will be required. Local travel for collaboration or sample collection is necessary. Extended periods of standing, lifting cages or equipment up to ~25 lbs, and repetitive manual tasks may occur during experimental work. Strict adherence to PPE, biosafety and sterility protocols is mandatory.

Case Western Reserve University's animal facilities are accredited by the Associate 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 the School of Medicine's 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.


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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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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