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A leading university veterinary hospital is seeking a research assistant to support ongoing projects related to the Extracellular Matrix in cardiovascular development. The role involves laboratory experiments with animals, data recording, and compliance with animal care regulations. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and experience in laboratory practices, particularly animal handling and cell culture.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under frequent supervision, assist with new and ongoing research projects focused on the role of Extracellular Matrix in cardiovascular development and disease. This position will work with animals specifically mice.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform technical procedures and experiments according to specific instructions/ protocols. This includes, but is not limited to cell culture, immunofluorescence, DNA and RNA isolation, transfections and immunoblots. Studies in mice that include organ collection, processing, sectioning, and staining. (20%)
Record experimental data; collect/tabulate/calculate results from procedures such as cell culture, immunofluorescence, DNA/RNA isolation, and tissue staining; organize measurements like fluorescence intensity, nucleic acid concentrations, and histological observations using standard lab tools and documentation practices. (20%)
Work closely with the principal investigator to discuss recent results. (10%)
Enter sequences into the computer; analyze; perform machine repair; input experimental or genetic sequences into lab software for documentation or processing; work with other team members to maintain certain equipment (liquid nitrogen tanks, cleaning of tissue culture incubators, freezers, refrigerators, water baths, microscopes, and lab ware). (10%)
Prepare solutions. Prepare solutions as needed and general laboratory maintenance (10%)
Extract data for follow-up; maintain and retrieve relevant experimental results from lab notebooks or digital files to support planning of subsequent experiments and ensure continuity in research documentation. (10%)
Purchase routine lab supplies, collect receipts, monitor expenditures; ensure inventory is stocked for daily lab operations, maintain organized records of purchases, and assist with tracking spending to stay within budgetary limits. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS
Prepare reagents for lab use. (5%)
Perform housekeeping tasks and other duties as assigned. (5%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with principal investigator to discuss research, maintain workflow and normal laboratory communication.
University: Occasional interaction with co-investigators in the department and other departments regarding on-going projects and lab activities.
External: Infrequent to no contact with external contacts to maintain workflow.
Students: Daily contact with undergraduate students working in the laboratory to exchange information and answer questions related to research projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.
QUALIFICAITONS
Education/Experience: High school education and 1 to 2 years of experience required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the biological sciences field.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
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 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.
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
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. The employee will be exposed to animals and chemicals. Personal protective equipment, including lab coats, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. The individual will be exposed and use to routine laboratory chemicals and solvents, and paraformaldehyde for tissue processing. This position requires handling of animal and tissues from animals and humans following Biosafety Level II practices.
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 School of Medicine 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.