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 is seeking a Research Assistant 1 to perform research tasks in medical and technical areas, including blood characterization and cell culture. You will execute experiments, collect data, and prepare reports for DoD-funded projects.

Under moderate supervision, you will maintain records, analyze samples, and assist with equipment and supplies. A bachelor’s or associate degree in related fields is required, with up to two years of experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering and 0–1 year experience or related.
• Associate's degree in biotechnology and 0–2 years experience.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform research in medical and related technical areas with lab skills (blood characterization, cell culture).
• Conduct analysis of blood or plasma samples on diagnostic/microfluidic platforms.
• Record results and carry out data acquisition.
• Prepare scientific reports and slides; maintain records of experiments.
• Maintain test equipment and assist with equipment maintenance; order supplies.

Skills

Lab equipment operation

Consistent attendance

Follow instructions

Face-to-face communication

Willingness to learn AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or engineering (incl. BME)

Associate's degree in biotechnology

Job description

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.

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. This is a Term position. They are treated like regular staff positions for medical and dental benefits eligibility, vacation, holidays, and sick time. Term employees are not eligible for life insurance, retirement, long term disability, short term disability, tuition assistance, layoff status, or severance pay. Staff in term positions are also subject to the performance management review process and positive corrective action when work performance or behavior is unsatisfactory or unacceptable. Term employment does not alter the employment-at-will employee status of these employees.

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.