Research Assistant 2

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Winter recess

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University is seeking a Research Assistant 2 to contribute to cancer biology and radiation therapy resistance research, using in vitro and in vivo models. The role involves molecular and cellular assays, data analysis, and collaboration across a translational research program.

Responsibilities include cell culture, DNA/RNA work, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and occasional animal procedures. The team emphasizes safety, reproducibility, and data-driven progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 1–3 years of related experience, or Associate's degree and 2–4 years of experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques.
• Knowledge of biosafety and animal handling procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform molecular biology assays and cell culture experiments.
• Conduct animal handling, tumor measurement, and tissue dissection in mouse models.
• Collect and analyze data, prepare figures, and maintain lab notebooks.
• Ensure equipment calibration and maintain accurate lab records.
• Assist with training of students and staff and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Biomedical research

Sterile technique

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Communication

Attentive to safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Associate's degree in biotechnology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

Western blot equipment

DNA/RNA extraction

Microscopy (fluorescence)

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 $19.41 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 general supervision, plan and carry out research project in accordance with general plans. The Research Assistant 2 will perform research in cancer biology and radiation therapy resistance using in vitro and in vivo models. This position supports ongoing projects that investigate how therapeutic agents can affect response of cancer cells exposed to radiation. The research assistant will work with human and murine cells and animal models, performing molecular and cellular biology assays and supporting data analysis. The research aims to identify novel therapeutic agents, contributing to the program's mission to improve cancer treatment and radiation therapy efficacy through translational research. This position will involve working with animals. This position may involve training required for irradiation of small animal model.

Essential Functions

• Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Perform basic molecular and cellular biology techniques including PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, Western blotting, and cell culture. Perform microscopy imaging of treated cells. Carry out animal handling, drug treatment, tumor measurement, and tissue dissection in mouse models. Conduct DNA damage assessment related assays, gene knockdown, cell death and apoptosis measurement assays. (35%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Maintain well-organized, clearly labeled lab protocols and digital files. Ensure reproducibility and traceability of experiments, and experimental results and materials . Perform regular maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment including biosafety cabinets, tissue culture hoods, centrifuges, and pipettes. Clean instruments after use and coordinate service schedules when needed. (20%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Accurately and promptly document improved experimental conditions, results, and observations in lab notebooks and digital records. Compile data for internal presentations and prepare analytical figures using provided software¿s. (15%)
• Collect and analyze data. Analyze tissue sections via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Perform flow cytometry, and ELISA assays. Evaluate histological, molecular, and DNA readouts from both in vitro and in vivo experiments. (10%)
• Oversee inventory. Monitor and order reagents, antibodies, consumables, animals, and animal-related supplies. Maintain compliance with institutional chemical and biological safety inventory protocols. (10%)
• Train new staff; direct the work of students. Provide orientation, basic lab training, demonstrating basic sterile techniques, animal procedure to new lab staff and students (6%)

Nonessential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned. Assist in training students, residents and junior lab members. Participate in lab meetings and collaborative projects. (4%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information. Occasional contact with other departments and delivery of samples if needed.

External: Limited with vendors to exchange information.

Students: 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/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.

Required Skills

• Has knowledge of commonly‑used biomedical research concepts and practices. Family with basic sterile procedures involved in cell culture, bacteria culture, protein and DNA/RNA samples processing.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as tissue culture incubators, hoods, centrifuges, Western blot equipment, DNA electrophoresis equipment, fluorescence microscopy.
• Ability to demonstrate 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.
• Previous experience with animal experiments preferred.
• 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 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 be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
• Familiar with CWRU animal research and care (ARC) policies preferred.
• Previous experience with flow cytometry, IHC analysis preferred.
• 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.
• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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. General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards.

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.