Job Description
Job ID
12499
Location
Case Main Campus
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas. The Research Assistant 3 will support hearing and balance research using the zebrafish and mice model systems. The responsibilities include day-to-day operations of the zebrafish and mice facility and caring for the animals, which includes but not limited to zebrafish husbandry, genotyping and feeding of zebrafish/mice. The research assistant will also support research publicizations and grants. Supervise and train students in lab techniques. This position will work with animals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. Conduct basic operations of the zebrafish facility; Keep track of and care for ~10,000 laboratory zebrafish; Carry out complex research genetic breeding schemes; Participate in cleaning zebrafish facility; Breeding zebrafish stocks; Maintain zebrafish lab and equipment maintain fish database, ordering, participate in feeding and cleaning, etc. Organize zebrafish lab; Maintain fish database. (30%)
Work closely with the principal investigator. Serve as a liaison between zebrafish facility and other labs. (7%)
Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Participate in the generation of knockout and transgenic zebrafish using cutting edge techniques by use of microinjection; use confocal microscope; maybe perform electrophysiology. (30%)
Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Perform in situ hybridization; Contribute to research projects by performing experiments and adding ideas. (7%)
Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. This includes analyzing confocal and hearing test data. (6%)
May supervise students and technicians. This will include zebrafish and molecular biology training. (7%)
May co-author research projects on hearing, deafness, and balance research. (6%)
May monitor the laboratory budget. Monitor the laboratory budget and help with ordering material for the lab and fish facility. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned which includes but are not limited to keep track of zebrafish bill to other labs; respond to phone calls; respond to fish facility emergencies at all times (coordinated with other students and technicians.; Feed fish and do experiments on weekend when necessary. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow. Frequent contact with the principal investigator and other departmental members and members of other departments.
University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information. Regular contact with facility users including principal investigators and research staff; contact with the Animal Resource Center as needed.
External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information. Regular contact with supply vendors
Students: Frequent contact with students working in the lab and facility. Contact with student employees to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise students and technicians.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required; molecular biology, mouse or zebrafish experience preferred.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Molecular biology or zebrafish knowledge is important.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment, specifically work with zebrafish facility equipment.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to work weekends as needed.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
Previous experience working with animals preferred.
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.
Ability to perform microscopy on live animals. Must demonstrate compliance with universities 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 be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health of the animals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards: chemical - formaldehyde family, radiological - X rays (fluoroscopy, and biological - blood borne pathogens). 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 zebrafish, 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. Must be able to lift buckets and stand on stepstools to feed fish. Must be able to come to the fish facility if there is an emergency that requires animal attention.
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 medical school 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.
Diversity Statement
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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Reasonable Accommodations
Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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Case Western Reserve University strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive work environment. All applicants are protected under Federal law from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and genetics.
