Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform preparation and characterization of lipids, therapeutic and imaging agents for cancer treatment and imaging. The research assistant will also collect, verify, record, and compile data and information related to the ongoing research carried out in the lab. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform synthesis of therapeutic and imaging agents and characterization of the agents using analytic instrument, including HPLC, NMR, mass spectrometry, UV spectrometer, ICP-OES, and other standard analytical methods. (50%)
Perform research work using standard techniques of chemistry/biochemistry to prepare formulations of anticancer therapeutics, including immunotherapies. (15%)
Perform in vivo evaluation of the agents in animal tumor models, process tissue, perform immunohistochemistry, and conduct analysis of samples. (15%)
Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Maintain clear and organized notebooks documenting procedures used and cell growth data generated. (6%) 
Configure, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments; ensure instruments are kept in working order. (6%)
Order reagents and other laboratory supplies. Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety.  (6%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to maintain workflow. 

University: Occasional contact with the collaborators in other departments to share information.

External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information for orderings.

Students: Frequent contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required. Experience in immunotherapy, MRI, and drug delivery preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

Has knowledge of chemical synthesis and characterization.
Ability and experience to perform cell culture.
Ability and experience to operate scientific instrument, including HPLC, mass spectrometry, ICP-OES, NMR and other standard analytical equipment.
Ability and experience to handle mice.
Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.
Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve University animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance with regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines. 
Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve 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 (mice) preferred.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
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.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens, chemicals, and radiation. The employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, coat, and eyewear. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a molecular genetics/ biology laboratory, working with mice and other animal models in the laboratory and in the animal facility, and when needed working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment. 

General laboratory environment: The lab is an open floor plan with abundant bench space for animal handling and manipulations. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with one shared fume hood for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. A common equipment room located adjacent to the lab are equipped with animal euthanization station. The cell culture room nearby is equipped with incubators, culture hood, and microscope. Access to a multi-color Flow Cytometer and a Seahorse Analyzer belonging in a neighboring lab. The employee should expect frequent interactions with lab members from that lab and must be willing to collaborate. Major physical demands include transferring animals between the lab and the animal holding facility, maintaining the animal colonies, as well as weekly changes of mouse/rat cages. MRI may have a relatively high magnetic field. Special procedures will be followed to work around the animal scanner.

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 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.