We have two research assistant positions available. One is a post-Bac “gap year” position and the other is for a Senior Technologist.
If you are interested in applying for these positions, please go to the CWRU HR link https://case.edu/hr/careers and click on “View Open Positions” under “External Applicants” and then enter 12184 (Post-Bac Gap Year) or 12185 (Senior Technologist) under “Search Jobs”.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under the general supervision, the Research Assistant will plan and carry out experimental work to support and conduct testing for functional characterization of molecular and electrophysiological dynamics in regulating physiological outputs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans. Conduct cell culture maintenance, immunocytochemical experiments, cell-harvesting for patch seq RNA seq, electrophysiology, western blotting, qPCR, Drosophila Olfactory Operant Conditioning, Drosophila two-choice feeding assays, Drosophila feeding assays based on FLIC system, Drosophila video sleep recording. (20%)
2. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Conduct genetic recombination of Drosophila, One-generation experimental crosses in Drosophila, Maintenance of 25 degrees and 18 degrees of Drosophila stocks, confocal microscope imaging, DAM-loading for sleep/clock measurements with/without sleep deprivation. (20%)
3. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. Assist optimization process for experiments and analysis related to electrophysiology, signal processing, and immunocytochemical visualization directed by the principal investigator. (20%)
4. Collect and analyze data. Data analysis using Excel, Imaris, MATLAB, Igor, Prism, and Adobe Illustrator. Organize analysis results to upload Synology NAS server. (10%)
5. Maintain certain equipment facilities. Maintenance of Olympus BX51WI, Sutter P2000, Sutter P97, NanoDrop, Drosophila CO2 system, Mettler Toledo. (6%)
6. Oversee inventory. Order reagents and other laboratory supplies. (6%)
7. Train new staff; direct the work of undergraduate students. Train new people in the lab regarding standard laboratory policies as well as basic research techniques such as DAM-loading, cell-harvesting, and immunocytochemical visualization. (10%)
8. Presentation of experiments. This may include preparing PowerPoints and/or posters to present at lab meetings, university meetings, and neuroscience conferences. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)
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.
REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures in the biomedical sciences.
2. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
3. Ability to operate standard laboratory equipment.
4. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
5. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
6. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes.
7. Strong organization skills and good habit of maintaining a clean lab working environment; demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow through on assigned projects.
8. Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the university.
9. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team (must be highly motivated, flexible, responsible, dependable and a self-starter).
10. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. The lab is an open floor at Robbins Bldg, Room E651 with abundant bench space. Ample desk space with computers are also provided. The lab is equipped with one fume hood for storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. May have exposure to hazards. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. The cell culture room (E651D) nearby is equipped with CO2 incubators, culture hood, and microscope. The employee should expect frequent interactions with lab members from that lab and must be willing to collaborate. Major physical demands include transferring imaging samples between the lab and the shared confocal microscope facility room (E404A), and maintaining, as well as weekly lab meetings at meeting/library room (E657).