Senior Research Assistant 1

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University seeks a Senior Research Assistant 1 to support molecular biology and biochemistry projects in the lab. You will perform cell culture, protein work, cloning, and data analysis while maintaining rigorous records and supporting grant activities.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the PI and lab staff, data interpretation, and preparation of publishable figures, with opportunities for training students and new staff. A hybrid schedule is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 6 months of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 1 year of experience required.
• Knowledge of life sciences concepts and lab procedures; ability to operate lab equipment.
• Willingness to learn and work with AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Carry out experiments per instructions; perform cell culture, protein expression and purification, interaction analysis, cloning, Western blotting.
• Collaborate with PI to plan and conduct experiments; troubleshoot and optimize protocols.
• Organize samples, analyze data, maintain records, and assist with manuscript and grant preparation.
• Maintain equipment and inventory; assist in training students and staff.
• May contribute to publication-quality figures and data summaries.

Skills

Cell culture

Protein expression

Protein purification

Molecular cloning

Western blotting

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree in biotech

Tools

Cryo-EM

X-ray crystallography

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 $19.32 per 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, the Senior Research Assistant 1 will support the laboratory's research program by conducting molecular, biochemical, and cell biology experiments. This position will contribute to studies aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein function and regulation through biochemical, structural, and cell biology approaches and to the discovery of novel small-molecule therapeutics, including molecular glues. Primary responsibilities include performing laboratory experiments, analyzing and documenting research data, maintaining laboratory operations and equipment, and assisting with manuscript and grant preparation. This position supports the laboratory's research mission by generating high-quality experimental data and ensuring the efficient operation of ongoing research projects.

Essential Functions

• Carry out experiments according to specific instructions. Perform cell culture, protein expression and purification, quantitative analysis of protein¿protein and protein¿compound interactions, molecular cloning, Western blotting, and other related assays. (50%)
• Collaborate with lab staff and assist the principal investigator in planning and conducting a series of research experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. May conduct specific experiments and tasks independently. Troubleshoot protocols, provide interpretation of data and suggest potential improvements for optimization of techniques and procedures. (20%)
• Organize samples and analyze data to contribute to large projects. Maintain detailed laboratory records, prepare publication-quality figures, summarize findings, and assist with manuscript and grant preparation. (15%)
• Maintain laboratory equipment, organize reagents and biological samples. Manage laboratory inventory and coordinate ordering of research supplies. (6%)
• May assist in training undergraduate students and new laboratory staff in standard laboratory operations, maintenance, techniques, and safety procedures; direct the work of students. (6%)

Nonessential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned (3%)

CONTACTS

• Department: Continuous contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.
• University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.
• External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.
• Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. May assist in training new staff and students on lab operations and maintenance; direct the work of students.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 6 months of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 1 year of experience required.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures in life sciences. Experience with cell culture, protein expression and purification, analysis of protein¿protein and protein¿compound interactions, molecular cloning, and Western blotting. Background in structural biology (e.g., cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography), molecular glue research, or computational biology is desirable.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• 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.
• Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May involve handling chemicals, recombinant DNA, cell cultures, and laboratory instrumentation in accordance with institutional safety regulations. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

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.