Research Assistant 3

https:/www.scheurer.org/careers/; Ohio; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated research professional to coordinate laboratory activities focused on groundbreaking cancer research. This role involves managing and developing genetically engineered mouse models, conducting complex research assignments, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animal genetics and molecular biology, with proficiency in various laboratory techniques. Join a dynamic team committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving therapeutic strategies in oncology.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Flexible Hours

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in animal research and genetics.
• Proficiency in handling and breeding transgenic mouse models.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate lab research activities and manage animal models.
• Develop genetically engineered mouse models for cancer research.

Skills

Animal Genetics

Xenograft Models

Genetically Engineered Mouse Models

DNA/RNA/Protein Extraction

Data Entry

PCR

Western Blot

Animal Care

Organ Dissection

Time Management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, coordinate lab research activities and carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. The research focuses on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying esophageal and colorectal cancers, including testing of therapeutic compounds in pre-clinical animal models. This position will work with mice and human tissue.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Manage the care, maintenance, breeding, weaning, genotyping and studying custom transgenic/ xenograft animal models of colon and esophageal cancer. (23%)
Working closely with the principal investigator, develop genetically engineered mouse models of colon and esophageal cancer. Generate Xenograft and Patient derived Xenograft (PDx) colon/esophageal tumor models in immune deficient mice, derived from cancer cell lines and/or freshly obtained patient biopsies. (23%)
Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Formulate custom drug/chemical compounds and treatment of animals via intraperitoneal, intravenous, oral gavage, subcutaneous, or through diet/water. Obtain time-course measurements as appropriate. (14%)
Dissect and isolate organs/tissues for subsequent cold storage and/or formalin fixation. Extract DNA/RNA/Protein from animal tissues for subsequent molecular studies. (7%)
Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Amend and/or update animal protocols and procedures as appropriate. (6%)
Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Ensure that the new techniques provide reproducibility and consistency and that the new procedures are efficient to and provides improvement to the research. (6%)
Coordinate laboratory/research activities, including maintaining detailed descriptions of experimental methods/protocols, inventorying all samples stored in repository and documenting the data on a routine basis. (6%)
May monitor the laboratory budget which may include but not limited to expense tracking, forecasting, grant management, cost benefit, reporting and compliance. (6%)
May co-author research projects and assist with grant proposals and manuscripts related to animal research as appropriate. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

May supervise students and technicians on daily work including experiments and training when needed. (2%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow. Weekly laboratory meetings with entire laboratory for providing research updates and resolving research needs and challenges.

University: Occasional contact with other departments for sharing or receiving knowledge and research protocols.

External: Monthly contact with collaborators within University Hospitals and/or Cleveland Clinic in the context of ongoing collaborations, exploring new animal research studies. Occasional contact with external collaborators and vendors to exchange information, evaluate and purchase equipment/supplies.

Students: Regular contact with student employees for supervising and providing guidance on animal-related research work

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in any biological sciences related field required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Must have basic knowledge in animal genetics and prior work experience with xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models. Prior work experience with mouse models of gastrointestinal cancers will be preferable.
Proficiency in animal care, handling, breeding, maintenance, and genotyping.
Prior experience in dissection and isolation of organs/tissues from mice.
Proficiency in extraction of DNA/RNA/Protein from animal tissues and experience with routine techniques such as PCR and Western Blot.
Must have basic computer skills (including use of MS Word, Excel) for data entry and record keeping.
Must have strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
Must demonstrate flexibility and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.
Willingness and ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, School and University, and with individuals outside the University.
Must demonstrate compliance with university 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 demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center¿s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. Employee may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, coat, and eyewear. Will work at bench performing experiments that requires long time standing and sitting. Will perform some experiments in the animal room, standing in the laminar flow hood. Must be willing to adjust working hours according to the nature of ongoing experiments and occasionally work extended hours to finish the experiments.

Case Western Reserve University¿s animal facilities are accredited by the Associate 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 the School of Medicine¿s 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.