Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Research Associate 1 will oversee research projects within the lab, providing scientific oversight, guidance to lab members, and lab management in the absence of the principal investigator. The Research Associate will design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, oversee/supervise staff and students, and fully execute research projects. The Research Associate 1 will utilize a multitude of techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology, histology/microscopy, and animal studies. The Research Associate will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design and project plans. The Research Associate will independently prepare manuscripts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects. Perform analysis of cell culture and in vivo experiments, using techniques, but not limited to gene expression analysis, rodent surgeries/ cell and gene delivery, histology/microscopy, stem cell generation and differentiation. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis (45%).

2. Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members (10%).

3. With the principal investigator, establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet regularly with the principal investigator to review and set priorities, staff/student-related issues, and future research staff and planning. Provide scientific oversight of all research projects, including data collection and maintenance. Establish and manage the day-to-day priorities of the research staff. Supervise and mentor research assistants and technicians. Supervise Coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Ensure the PI is informed about the results of lab members, and ensure the PI’s experimental strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the Research Associate (10%).

4. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals (10%).

5. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects 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 trainings for lab members with EHS and others as needed (10%).

6. May Supervise research assistants and technicians. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other lab members, ensuring proper lab procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for lab work (10%).

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned (5%)

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 contact with other labs for collaboration, 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

Supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. May supervise Research Associates within the lab. Oversee all lab members including postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum of 1 to 5 years of related postdoctoral experience required. Experience in the field of biological sciences, molecular and cell biology preferred.

Education/Licensing: PhD required. Preferably in biological sciences – molecular and cell biology

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

1. Cell Culture

2. Molecular Biology

3. Histology & Confocal Microscopy

4. Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.

5. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University. Excellent technical writing skills required.

6. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.

7. Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.

8. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.

9. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.

10. Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed.

11. Animal research only: 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.

12. Animal research only: 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.

13. Animal Research only: Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.

Application Instructions

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions include animal surgeries, exposure to human cells and tissue, exposure to chemical and biological hazards, such as viral vectors, and weekend work as needed. Occasional travel for conference presentations.

Animal research only: 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity 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 Accommodation Statement:
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 Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.