POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work and laboratory operations in the Witten Lab, which develops lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems for gene therapy. The Research Assistant 3 will serve as a senior experimentalist and lab manager, leading in vivo studies evaluating LNP-mediated mRNA and DNA delivery in mouse models. Key responsibilities include planning and executing animal experiments, managing day-to-day laboratory operations, overseeing inventory and equipment maintenance, developing and optimizing delivery protocols, managing in vitro-to-in vivo translation studies, and supervising junior lab members. This position directly supports the lab's goal of developing non-viral gene therapies for lung diseases including cystic fibrosis and others. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate and execute in vivo gene therapy experiments in mouse models and in vitro gene therapy experiments in cell culture, including various routes of in vivo LNP administration. Manage experimental timelines, animal protocols, and tissue collection schedules. Assist in coordinating collaborative large animal studies as needed. (20%)
2. Work closely with the principal investigator to design experiments, interpret results, and refine delivery strategies. Present findings at lab meetings and contribute to manuscript preparation. (13%) 
3. Carry out tissue processing and analysis from in vivo experiments, including sectioning, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, RT-qPCR, and Western blot to quantify transgene expression and assess safety endpoints. (15%) 
4. Develop and optimize protocols for LNP formulation, in vitro screening, and in vivo delivery. Evaluate and validate new experimental techniques, analyze complex datasets, and perform statistical analysis. (9%) 
5. Design and construct genetic constructs via molecular cloning, including plasmid design, assembly, and sequence verification. Contribute to protein design and expression optimization for novel delivery modalities. (15%)
6. Train and supervise graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and junior technicians in animal handling, tissue processing, molecular biology techniques, and general lab procedures. Onboard new lab members and maintain lab training records. (8%)
7. Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering supplies and reagents, tracking inventory, monitoring the laboratory budget, coordinating equipment maintenance and service contracts, and ensuring lab safety and compliance with EHS regulations. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Co-author research publications and contribute to grant applications. Assist in preparing figures, methods sections, and data summaries. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with the principal investigator and lab members to plan experiments, discuss results, and coordinate research activities.

University: Regular contact with the Animal Resource Center (ARC), veterinary staff, and IACUC office to coordinate animal protocols and ensure compliance. Occasional contact with core facilities (histology, imaging, genomics).

External: Regular contact with reagent and equipment vendors, service representatives, collaborators at other institutions, and contract research organizations to coordinate procurement and equipment maintenance.

Students: Regular contact with graduate and undergraduate students to provide training, mentorship, and technical guidance on experimental procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

May supervise graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and junior technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

1. Has strong knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, and in vivo experimental techniques. Experience with nanoparticle formulation, gene therapy research, or laboratory management preferred.
2. Demonstrates ability to work independently, design experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and adapt methods to new model systems. 
3. Ability to operate laboratory equipment including microfluidic mixers, plate readers, qPCR instruments, and cryostats. Strong molecular cloning skills preferred.
4. 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.
5. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
6. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
7. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
8. Must demonstrate compliance with university 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.
9. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment with regular work in animal facilities. Exposure to biological hazards (animal tissues, blood, cell cultures), chemical reagents (fixatives, solvents), and nanoparticle formulations. Standard PPE required; additional PPE for animal work. May have to occasionally work on weekends for animal care or cell culture maintenance.

Case Western Reserve University's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and are 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 the School of Medicine's 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.

Apply online at jobs.case.edu search job posting 14347