Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, carry out research project according to specific instruction. The Senior Research Assistant 1 will support an NIH-funded human biomarker discovery investigation being carried out by laboratory housed within the School of Nursing. The project aims to establish a set of cell free RNA-based diagnostic tests, one for the clinical laboratory, and one for the point-of-care, that could be used to rapidly identify stroke in emergency medicine settings. The research assistant will help maintain a biorepository of human specimens and perform various molecular biology tasks such as DNA/RNA isolation, conventional/quantitative/digital PCR, and bacterial cloning as part of the larger overall project. This position will also order supplies, help maintain the laboratory space and equipment, and work to ensure/document regulatory compliance. This position plays a key role in executing experimental workflows and ensuring smooth lab operations
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Carry out experiments according to specific instructions. Assist with planning experiments. This includes but is not limited to: implementing workflows to isolate nucleic acids from human biofluids to prepare samples for downstream use in experiments and measure DNA and RNA in human biofluids using various nucleic acid amplification techniques such as quantitative PCR, digital PCR, and LAMP; using conventional PCR, bacterial cloning, and in vitro transcription to generate synthetic RNA standards for use in prototype diagnostic tests. (40%)
Collaborate with lab staff and principal investigator to conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. May conduct specific experiments and tasks independently which includes but is not limited to DNA/RNA isolation, conventional/quantitative/digital PCR, and bacterial cloning. (10%)
Organize samples and analyze data in order to contribute to larger projects. Provide interpretation of data and suggest potential improvements to techniques and procedures. Maintain experimental data using electronic databases and maintain records of experiments in a detailed electronic laboratory notebook.
(20%)
Maintain certain equipment and/or facilities. Maintain a clean and organized lab environment and document compliance with State, Federal, and Institutional safety and biosafety regulations. (10%)
Manage supplies of the lab, including inventory and submitting orders as requested. Maintain a biorepository of human specimens and ensure proper cataloging, storage, and organization. Coordinate the shipping and receiving of biological samples in compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines. (10%)
May assist in training new staff and students on lab operations and maintenance; direct the work of students. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily 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. Train new staff; 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
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
Strong theoretical and experiential understanding of basic molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular cloning.
Experience working with human biofluids preferred.
Strong attention to scientific detail and technical problem solving skills.
Strong organization skills are a must, including the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory records.
Ability to effectively manage time, multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain a clean laboratory working environment.
Above average computing skills and comfort using digital laboratory systems such as remote equipment monitoring systems, electronic inventory management solutions, electronic laboratory record keeping solutions, and cloud-based data storage solutions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel) is essential.
Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the university.
Must be self-motivated, and demonstrate a willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, and processes as needed.
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. May have exposure to hazards. Will work with general chemicals and human biospecimens, and will need to take general laboratory and biosafety training (provided through Case Western Environmental Health and Safety office). Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.
Requirements
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.
