Case Western Reserve University Looking for Research Assistant 2, #9800 Full Time

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. The
Research Assistant 2 will be responsible for the implementation and quality assurance of many research protocols in the retina for an ocular
immunology project in diabetic retinopathy. The research assistant will work closely with the research associates and the principle
investigator with limited supervision. Also, the research assistant will carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature,
devise new protocols and techniques for retinal research projects involving a specific set of skills and training, evaluate adequacy of
techniques, study and test new procedures, analyze data, and co-author research papers for NIH funded research projects. This position will
work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. By performing
   immunological protocols that will lead to the identification of the role of cytokine proteins and inflammatory products in retinopathy.
   (30%)
2. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. By analyzing cells, proteins,
   and RNA isolated from murine retinas in vivo and human cells ex vivo. (20%)
3. May assist in developing improved
   techniques, projection methods or procedures through histological procedures of photoreceptor layers and retina sectioning of mouse retinas.
   (15%)
4. Collect and analyze data. By performing molecular protocols including immunohistochemistry, qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, and
   functional cellular assays all performed ex vivo after murine retinal collection to identify the activation mechanism of
   inflammation in diabetic retinopathy. (15%)
5. Oversee inventory by assisting in laboratory supply ordering and inventorying supplies
   during general laboratory duties. (10%)
6. Train new staff; direct the work of students with retinal isolations and protocols.
   (6%)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Learn new procedures as required, and perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor, collaborating ophthalmologists, department core managers, research
coordinator, and senior level laboratory staff to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Regular (Monthly) contact with
collaborating faculty, senior level research staff, and core managers of other departments (such as Pediatrics, Neurology, Pathology, and
Biomedical Engineering) to share information.

External: Frequent (Weekly) contact with external staff of the university affiliate
hospital Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center to exchange information with Taylor VA staff and collaborators.

Students: Moderate
(Weekly during the summer) contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position
has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and
experience: Bachelor’s degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate’s degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4
years of experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a
   particular field.
2. Ability to rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
3. Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
4. Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve 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.
5. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve University
   facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
6. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
7. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
8. Ability to interact with
   colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. Work with mice
and human samples. May have exposure to hazards.

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 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.