Biomedical Engineer 1

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University is seeking an Engineer 1 to collect data using specialized lab equipment and support federally funded research projects. You will work with faculty, postdocs, and students to image nerves for neural stimulation targets and contribute to grant submissions and progress reports.

The role involves maintaining a strong lab culture, assisting with supplies, and updating the lab website.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• 0–2 years of professional engineering experience.
• Experience with biomedical lab protocols and animals preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform specific aspects of a broader engineering problem, including image analysis and neural tissue imaging (microCT); develop procedures for lab equipment operation.
• Support complex scientific programs; collect data from imaging modalities (microCT) and assist students in design, fabrication, and testing of lab experiments.
• Write and execute Matlab/R scripts, and other data analysis tools to process and visualize data; improve image processing methods as needed.
• Exercise judgment on experimental details and assist in preliminary selections of alternatives; maintain a safe lab environment per policies.
• May be assisted by a technician or student helper; manage lab inventory and assist with ordering and lab logistics.

Skills

Biomedical engineering knowledge

Teamwork / collaboration

Communication skills

Adaptability / learning new techniques

Attendance reliability

Animal care compliance / safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Pipettors

Balances

Water baths

Microscope

Job description

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 $56,395 and $71,340, 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.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Engineer 1 will be responsible for collecting data using specialized experimental laboratory equipment and work with biomedical engineering faculty and staff to support federally funded research projects. The basis of the work is to characterize and image a number of nerves that are of interest as targets for electrical stimulation to improve pathophysiologic conditions. The Engineer 1 position will work and collaborate with the principal investigator, staff, postdoctoral researchers, graduate, and undergraduate students in the lab, along with off-campus collaborators. This person will participate in maintaining a strong lab culture within the research group. Regular responsibilities include generating data and text for grant submissions, progress reports, manuscripts, and participating in weekly meetings. The Engineer 1 will also support the lab environment by managing ordering of supplies and maintaining updates to the group website. This position will work with animals.

Essential Functions

• Perform specific aspects of a broader engineering problem, namely, in depth image analysis and characterization of nerves. Operate and maintain engineering laboratory equipment and systems used for research. These include micro computerized tomography (microCT). Assist in developing novel staining techniques, as well as write new computer code, to enhance microCT imaging operation and contrast in neural tissues. Develop procedures for operating custom-fabricated laboratory equipment that automates tissue sectioning and/or imaging. (25%)
• Support complex scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze data, monitor, and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems. Examples include collecting data from imaging modalities (microCT), and performing image processing tasks as assigned. Other examples include participating in IACUC approved animal studies and dissections and developing procedures. Assist undergraduate and graduate students with the design, fabrication, instrumentation, testing, and disposal of laboratory experiments (25%)
• Apply methods and techniques, adjust and correlate data, determine errors in results, and follow the operation through a series of related steps to completion. Examples include writing and executing Matlab scripts, R scripts, Minitab, Origin, and other standard data analysis tools to process and visualize data. Other examples include improved image processing methods or data analysis techniques based on literature and conducting experiments given standard operating procedures and protocols. (20%)
• Exercise judgment on certain details of the work and assist in making preliminary selections and adoptions of possible alternatives. Examples include optimizing antibody assays or staining techniques on tissues for imaging and maintaining a safe laboratory environment in accordance with university procedures and policies. (10%)
• May be assisted in work by a technician or student helper, including working with animals as a surgical assistant, or to perform post operative care with animals. Other examples include working with undergraduate and graduate students to facilitate their learning of new instrumentation or procedures in the lab. Other examples include stock and maintain laboratory inventory for faculty, research staff and teaching laboratories within the Dr. Shoffstall labs (10%)

Nonessential Functions

• Assist with improvement projects of faculty and student spaces such as moving of furniture, reorganization, and disposal of items. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with supervisor and other engineering staff to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information. Occasional contact with administrative personnel as needed to perform project duties.

External: Occasional contact with research supply vendors to identify reagent and equipment costs and external research collaborators to exchange information.

Students: Occasional contact with student employees through weekly laboratory meetings to exchange information and discuss research

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

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

Qualifications

Experience: 0 to 2 years of professional engineering experience.

Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering.

Required Skills

• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within biomedical engineering.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment, including pipettors, balances, water baths, and microscope.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 environment. May have exposure to hazards such as chemicals, fumes and bloodborne pathogens. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be required.

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 medical school 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.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

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.

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 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.