Junior Medical Scientist

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the research assistant 1 will perform research work in immunology, cell biology and molecular biology-based projects to support research studies in the division of Infectious Diseases. The focus of the research study is to explore host-pathogen interaction and the regulation of various inflammatory disorders. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. This requires the ability to work well as a member of a team. (10%)
2. Conduct studies including cell culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, transfections, immunoblots. Studies in animals include intraperitoneal injections and organ collection. (40%)
3. Collect and record results from cell culture experiments and histological samples. Organize raw data and update lab-related data folders. (35%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Maintain clear and organized notebooks documenting procedures used and data generated. (5%)
2. Perform routine lab maintenance including cleaning equipment and lab ware; dispose of biohazardous waste. (5%)
3. Order reagents, other laboratory supplies and mice. Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety. (5%)
4. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

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

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information and collaborate on projects.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Occasional contact with student employees to explain policies and procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
2. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
3. Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
4. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
5. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
6. 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.
7. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
8. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
9. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
10. Strong tissue culture and molecular biology skills (PCR, Western blots, Retroviral/Lentiviral constructs).
11. Strong organization skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow-through on assigned projects.
12. Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the University.
13. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter).
14. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
15. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and GraphPad Prism is preferred. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and FlowJo is a plus.
16. Must have the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.
17. Must have the ability to willingly learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment: The lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for animal handling and manipulations. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with two fume hoods for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials as well as several freezers. The cell culture room is equipped with 3 incubators, 2 culture hoods, and microscope. Access to a multi-color Flow Cytometer, ELISA reader and real time PCR machine in a neighboring labs. The candidate should expect frequent interactions with lab members from that lab and must be willing to collaborate. Major physical demands include transferring animals between the lab and the animal holding facility, maintaining the animal colonies, as well as weekly changes of mouse/rat cages. The individual will be exposed and use to routine laboratory chemicals and solvents, and paraformaldehyde for tissue processing.

Case Western Reserve University'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.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. For more information go to: https://case.edu/equity/covid-19-accommodations. Applicants may contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 /equity@case.edu for information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an accommodation.