Research Associate

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University seeks a Research Associate to oversee NIH RO1-related projects, manage staff, and conduct advanced mouse-model experiments. You will design studies, supervise collaborations, and present data at meetings while advancing vitamin A homeostasis research.

The role requires PhD or MD, 5+ years of relevant experience with mice, and strong leadership and communication skills to mentor students and staff in a rigorous lab setting.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD required.
• Minimum 5 years related experience with mice.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with NIH grants and data interpretation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific oversight of all RO1-related research projects and manage day-to-day priorities of staff.
• With the PI, set goals and ensure timely completion of projects and staff planning.
• Coordinate experiments, advise on design/analysis, and report progress to the PI.
• Independently design and execute projects to study vitamin A homeostasis and Dhsr3.
• Develop new techniques and train lab members on new protocols.

Skills

Mice handling

Lab supervision

Project design

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD or MD

Tools

HPLC

SLO

OCT

ERG

Immunohistochemistry

qRT-PCR

Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The von Lintig lab focuses on the role of vitamin A and carotenoids in the functioning and maintenance of the biology of different organ systems. The Research Associate will design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, supervise staff and students, manage mouse models, and fully execute research projects within the aims of the laboratory’s NIH grants, including the RO1 grant entitled ‘Molecular factors controlling vitamin A uptake homeostasis’. The objectives of the research are to understand how vitamin A homeostasis is maintained and regulated as well as to study the consequences of its pathological failure in knockout mouse models for human disease states, including Dhsr3, Lrat, and Isx knockout mice. The Research Associate will utilize histology and imaging techniques such as spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), and electroretinography (ERG) to assess retina functioning and structure. Additionally, the Research Associate will utilize general molecular biology, cell culture, and biochemistry techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in this research project. The Research Associate will keep the PI informed of progress of the research project and provide recommendations on experimental design and project plans. The Senior Research Associate will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide scientific oversight of all research projects related to the RO1 grant, including data collection and maintenance. Establish and manage the day-to-day priorities of the research staff. (10%)
2. With the principal investigator, establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet regularly with the principal investigator to review and set priorities, staff/student-related issues, and future research staff and planning (5%).
3. Coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Ensure the PI is informed about the results of lab members, and ensure the PI’s experimental strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the Senior Research Associate (5%).
4. Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects with the aim of to characterize the role of Dhsr3 in vitamin A homeostasis of the intestine and liver and the consequences of its pathological failure. Specifically, perform dietary intervention experiments and analyze the consequences for intestinal and hepatic health. Use imaging techniques such as immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, in these analyses. Determine retinoid and carotenoid composition of the eyes by HPLC analysis and quantify the concentrations with authentic standard substances (25%).
5. Develop new techniques and protocols to advance research projects within the lab. Train lab members on new techniques (10%).
6. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure pro jects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate trainings for lab members with the EHS and others, as needed (15%).
7. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals (5 %).
8. Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members (10%).
9. Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab (5%).
10. Operate laboratory equipment such as HPLC, SLO, OCT, and ERG machines. Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents (10%).

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Department: Frequent contact with the PI and others in the lab. Contact with other members of the Department as needed.

University: Contact with other research areas or administrative offices as needed.

External: Contact as needed for ordering information and follow-up, technical representatives, etc.

Students: Frequent contact with students working in the laboratory and in the Department.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The RA will train students, postdocs and visitors in the lab. The RA will supervise the progress of their work and will give advice and recommendations towards completion of the individual studies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum 5 years related experience. Experiences working with mice are required. Accomplished relevant research projects documented by peer-reviewed publications.

Education/Licensing: PhD, and/or MD.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

1. Practical ability to acquire and analyze data using the following methods: Immunohistochemistry, and HPLC methods for the quantification of carotenoids and retinoids.

2. Practical ability to perform the following biochemical techniques: Western blot, ELISA, qRT-PCR, protein and RNA purification, enzymatic activity assays.

3. Good knowledge in immunohistochemistry: immunofluorescence (IF) and flow cytometry.

4. Genetically modified mouse model-related techniques: designing strategies for development of conditional knockout mouse, breeding, genotyping, gavage, intraperitoneal (IP), intravenous (IV), and subcoutaneous (IS) injections, non-survival surgery for tissue collection, blood collection (survival and non-survival), perfusion.

5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skill, the ability to work in the diverse and international environment.

6. Proficiency in statistical data analysis and writing scientific reports and publications.

7. 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 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.

8. Excellent organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.

9. Effective management skills; ability to lead, train, work with new team members and lab visitors.

10. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

11. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making.

12. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (ex: Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database management. 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.

13. 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.

14. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employee is directly exposed to the following hazards in the work environment: Chemicals, commercial products (oil, cleaning solvents), UV light, repetitive motion. Employee will have the following tasks: Lifting up 15 lbs, driving. Employee will need the following protective equipment: Appropriate gloves, laboratory coat, and protective eye ware. Travel requirements: Employee will have to drive while on the job; Employee will transport universal waste (biological samples, tissue, animals, contaminated equipment).

Case'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 SOM 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.

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 annual salary is $55,000-$70,000, 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
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 Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at [e-mail]. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-time basis.