Research Assistant 1 - Biomedical Engineering (One-year term)

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University seeks a Research Assistant 1 to support DoD-funded projects, performing experiments, operating blood analysis and cell culture platforms, and generating data for reports.

You will record results, prepare slides, and maintain careful experimental records while contributing to scientific reports. A science/engineering degree with related lab experience is required, plus a willingness to adopt AI tools and adhere to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering with 0–1 year of experience or Associate's degree in biotechnology with 0–2 years of experience.
• Proficient with lab equipment and record-keeping.
• Ability to follow instructions and guidelines; willingness to learn AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform research in medical areas using lab skills including blood characterization and cell culture experiments.
• Analyze blood or plasma samples on diagnostic and microfluidic platforms.
• Record results and carry out data acquisition for experiments.
• Prepare scientific reports and slides; maintain records of experiments.
• Maintain and assist with lab equipment; order supplies.

Skills

Lab skills

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Teamwork

Willingness to learn AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or engineering (including BME)

Associate's degree in biotechnology

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Cell culture equipment

Blood analysis platforms

Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in medical and related technical areas. The research assistant will operate blood analysis and cell culture platforms associated with executing project tasks in DoD-funded projects. The research assistant will execute experiments, carry out data acquisition, and prepare technical reports and slides.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab skills including blood characterization and cell culture experiments. (60%)
• Conduct analysis of blood or plasma samples in appropriate diagnostic and microfluidic platforms. (15%)
• Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments and carry out data acquisition. (10%)
• Maintain records of experiments. Prepare scientific reports and slides. (6%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Assist with equipment maintenance. Order laboratory supplies. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

CONTACTS

• Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.
• University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.
• External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.
• Students: Frequent contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science or engineering (including BME) 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

• 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.
• Ability to demonstrate 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.
• Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. Will need Chemical and Safety training; Will need Blood-bourne Pathogen training. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

SALARY GRADE

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $17.65 per hour, 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.

EEO 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 ACCOMMODATIONS

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.