Description
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. This individual will serve as a senior technical laboratory resource supporting both human biospecimen-based investigations and preclinical animal experimentation. Responsibilities include execution of advanced biochemical and immunologic assays, conduct of complex animal procedures including survival surgeries and perioperative care, laboratory workflow coordination, maintenance of regulatory and experimental records, and preliminary analysis of experimental findings. This position will function independently, provide technical expertise across multiple active projects, and offer flexible support based on laboratory workflow demands. This position works with animals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects including experimental progress, assay performance, animal model execution, troubleshooting of laboratory procedures, interpretation of preliminary biochemical and immunologic findings, and optimization of workflow across human and animal translational studies in pulmonary and critical care research. (15%)
Coordinate major activities of laboratory and research activities supporting translational pulmonary and critical care investigations, including human biospecimen processing, biochemical assays related to hemolysis and immune function, animal research workflows, surgical study coordination, specimen tracking, laboratory scheduling, reagent inventory, regulatory documentation, and maintenance of efficient day-to-day laboratory operations. (25%)
May supervise research assistants and technicians. May provide technical oversight, procedural guidance, workflow delegation, and training to research assistants, laboratory technicians, trainees, and junior personnel involved in laboratory assays, animal studies, specimen handling, and research documentation to ensure adherence to protocol and laboratory standards. (9%)
Co-author research projects. Contribute to scholarly research activities through technical input related to experimental design, methodologic refinement, data interpretation, figure preparation, and assistance with manuscript development, abstracts, and scientific presentations arising from active translational research projects. (6%)
Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures. Independently perform advanced biochemical, immunologic, and translational laboratory procedures, including assays associated with hemolysis biology, inflammatory mediator quantification, immunologic functional analyses, biospecimen processing, and other complex experimental methodologies requiring technical expertise, precision, quality control, and independent troubleshooting. (30%)
Teach and instruct laboratory personnel, trainees, students, and research staff in appropriate laboratory methodologies, animal research procedures, assay execution, documentation practices, regulatory compliance, and technical best practices to ensure consistent and high-quality research performance. (6%)
Assist in the development, refinement, and implementation of laboratory standard operating procedures, experimental workflows, documentation processes, and coordination of research activities with investigators, clinical research personnel, institutional animal research teams, and collaborating laboratories as needed. (9%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily interaction with principal investigator, laboratory personnel, clinical research coordinators, technicians, and collaborating investigators regarding active studies, workflow management, experimental troubleshooting, and data review.
University: Regular interaction with animal resource personnel, institutional compliance offices, shared core facilities, biosafety personnel, and collaborating laboratories to exchange information.
External: Occasional contact with vendors, assay support teams, and external collaborators for technical coordination and procurement.
Students/Trainees: Occasional contact with fellows, residents, students, and junior laboratory personnel to support research activities and technical training.
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.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has 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.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
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.
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.
Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory and animal research environment; procedural work requiring manual dexterity and fine motor precision. Position includes exposure to biological specimens, laboratory reagents and chemicals, research animals, sharps, anesthetic agents, and standard laboratory equipment. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. The employee will stand for prolonged periods, and lift laboratory supplies or equipment. Occasional schedule variability based on active experiments.
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 School of Medicine 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.
Apply online at jobs.case.edu search job 14519
