Research Assistant 3

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University’s Tissue Resources Center seeks a Research Assistant 3 to coordinate histology workflows, process tissues, and perform staining for researchers across the university. You will work under limited supervision, ensuring timely, accurate results in a busy core facility.

Requirements include a Bachelor of Science and 3–5 years of related experience; proficiency with Microsoft Office, iLab, and histology techniques; willingness to learn AI tools and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Experience: 3–5 years of related experience required.
• Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.
• Requires basic knowledge of human and animal histology and chemistry.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Power Point.
• Operate laboratory equipment per manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
• Competency in the use of iLab.
• Knowledge of pathology concepts.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to learn and use AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate laboratory and research activities and histology protocols.
• Quality control of tissue blocks, slides, and reagents; maintain inventory.
• Develop new protocols and assist with immunohistochemistry and tissue microarrays.
• Evaluate techniques and assist modification of protocols with investigators.
• Collaborate with principal investigator and TRC staff to ensure workflow.
• May monitor budget and assist with billing for TRC users.

Skills

Histology basics

Chemistry basics

Microsoft Office

Lab equipment operation

iLab

Pathology concepts

Attendance reliability

Communication skills

AI tools willingness

Education

Bachelor of Science degree

Tools

iLab

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 $47,476 and $58,234, 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 limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas. The TRC, Histology Services, Research Assistant 3, will perform the daily technical duties and associated operational functions of the facility that provides tissue processing, tissue sectioning and histochemical staining of human and animal tissues for researchers within the Case Western Reserve University community.

Essential Functions

• Coordinate laboratory/research activities. Carry out routine and non-routine histology protocols tailored to meet the specific needs of individual research projects for tissue processing, embedding and sectioning and staining for morphologic studies. (60%)
• Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Perform quality control for adequacy and consistency of prepared tissue blocks (frozen and paraffin embedded) and slides for each job request; prepare all histology solutions for routine processing and staining; maintain adequate inventory of chemicals and all non-chemical materials to provide timely service request turn around. (20%)
• Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Lend support to TRC manager in performing routine immunohistochemistry protocols. Assist TRC manager in the construction and marketing of Tissue Microarrays. (5%)
• Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data. Assist in modification of established histology protocols and techniques for specific and unique research project requirements in consultation with each investigator. (5%)
• Work closely with the principal investigator. Works with limited supervision, but in routine coordination with the TRC principal investigator/director, manager, and core staff. (5%)
• May monitor the laboratory budget and perform billing services for all HCF users including validation of speedtypes or external accounts with investigators through the campus wide iLab system. (5%)

Nonessential Functions

May co-author research projects. (May supervise students and technicians. (Perform other duties as assigned. (

CONTACTS

• Department: Daily contact with TRC Core Director, other TRC staff, and University Hospitals Pathology and Histology laboratory to discuss research and maintain workflow.
• University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information. Routine contact with research staff, graduate students, fellows and faculty requesting histology services to coordinate and record incoming requests and dispensing of completed project materials.
• External: Limited contact with vendors or service personnel to exchange information or request equipment repairs.
• Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians.

Qualifications

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

Required Skills

• Requires basic knowledge of human and animal histology and chemistry.
• Working knowledge and competency with computer Microsoft Office documents, Word, Excel, Power Point.
• Ability to operate all laboratory equipment according to specified manufacture instructions and all safety recommendations.
• Competency in the use of iLab.
• Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures in Pathology.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment with direct exposure to blood borne pathogens, human and animal tissues, formaldehyde and other potentially hazardous chemicals.

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.