Research Assistant 2

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University is seeking a Research Assistant 2 to support basic and translational cancer biology research in hematologic malignancies. You will perform standard cell-based assays and help manage day-to-day lab operations.

The role requires documenting experiments and handling clinical specimens with regulatory training, plus a two-year commitment to ensure project continuity. Knowledge of Western blotting and cloning is beneficial, and you will collaborate with a diverse team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in biotechnology with years of relevant experience.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including immunoblotting.
• Ability to operate lab equipment such as plate readers, centrifuges, thermocyclers.
• Strong documentation and communication skills; adherence to safety and compliance.
• Willingness to train and work with clinical specimens as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments using mammalian cell lines and clinical specimens.
• Prepare specimens for downstream assays (Western blotting, plate-based assays, histology).
• Document work in electronic lab notebooks.
• Plan experiments and manage scheduling with established aims.
• Submit and retrieve specimens via core facilities.
• DNA manipulation and cloning.

Skills

Molecular biology

Immunoblotting

Cell culture

Plate-based assays

Data analysis

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biotechnology or related field

Associate's degree in biotechnology

Tools

Plate readers

Centrifuges

Thermocyclers

Electronic lab notebooks

Google Drive

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 $19.41per 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, carry out research projects in accordance with established experimental plans. The Research Assistant 2 position supports basic and translational science research focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer biology in hematologic malignancies. Responsibilities include execution of standard cell-based assays, support of day-to-day lab operations, accurate documentation of experimental records, and occasional non-business hour laboratory duties. Exposure to clinical research specimens and associated regulatory training will be necessary. A minimum two-year commitment is preferred due to training requirements and project continuity.

Essential Functions

• Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Perform laboratory experiments on mammalian cell lines and clinical specimens using established protocols. Prepare specimens for downstream assays, such as Western blotting, plate-based assays, and histology. Clearly document performed work in electronic lab notebook. (40%)
• Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Handle routine mammalian cell line maintenance and propagation. Plan experimental schedules independently within established aims. Efficiently apportion clinical samples for use in experiments. Submit and retrieve specimens in relation to Case Western Reserve University core facilities. Perform DNA manipulation and cloning (35%).
• Collect and analyze data. Organize, present, and discuss data from experiments for discussion with principal investigator. (15%)

Nonessential Functions

• Train new staff; direct the work of students. Assist trainees on standard laboratory techniques and protocols (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (2.5%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Optimize and develop new technical protocols under supervision. (2.5%).

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous, daily contact with supervisor in person or remotely to coordinate experiments.

University: Occasional contact with core facilities and clinical personnel to acquire clinical specimens.

External: Occasional contact with hospital personnel for clinical-translational studies.

Students: Occasional contact with student trainees for instruction and task coordination.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Training of new staff and assistance with students¿ efforts will be necessary.

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 concepts, practices, and procedures within molecular biology, such as immunoblotting, plate-based assays, and cell culture.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment, such as plate readers, centrifuges, thermocyclers, and other basic instruments.
• 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.
• Strong communication skills across multiple mediums and in person are required.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills, including use of shared digital services (Google Drive, electronic lab notebooks, spreadsheets), is necessary.
• Ability to multitask efficiently.
• Must abide by all university laboratory safety standards and meet training requirements. Will need to meet UHCMC regulatory training and standards for clinical specimens.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A minimum two-year commitment is preferred due to training requirements and project continuity. General biomedical laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological materials and chemical reagents. Hours are somewhat flexible, but the position does not accommodate remote or hybrid schedules.

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.