POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Research Assistant 4 will coordinate major activities in novel biomarker, diagnostic, and drug development for head and neck cancer. The research assistant will utilize a variety of experimental procedures including in vitro cell culture, in vitro phenotypic assays, gene knockout/knockdown using CRISPR/Cas9 or shRNA approaches, nucleic acid extraction from tissue and blood, and PCR-based assays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Perform high level and complex experimental assays and provide input and recommendations regarding assay design and execution. (50%)
2. Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures. Perform complex experiments, including diagnostic and in vitro phenotypic assays, gene knockdown/knockout using shRNA/CRISPR/Cas9, nucleic acid extraction from tissue and blood, and culturing of primary and established cell lines. Utilize new and innovative research techniques involving a high degree of skill and training. (20%)
3. May supervise research assistants and technicians. Supervise research staff, including students, residents, and fellows, involved with the research project in various capacities. (10%)
4. Coordinate major activities of laboratory/ research. Apply project management principles to organize tasks, coordinate data collection efforts, schedule and monitor project resources, and ensure project deadlines and goals are met effectively and efficiently. (6%)
5. Teach or instruct others in research techniques. Train team members in utilization and analysis of gene knockdown/knockout and ensure all proper institutional training/documentation has been received prior to initiation of research work. (6%)
6. Assist in developing procedures as needed. Development of new experimental procedures or refining existing experimental procedures for optimal results. Coordinate information with others as needed. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Participate in manuscript and grant writing, co-author research projects and independently write sponsor progress reports and manuscripts. (1%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Moderate contact with other departments to share information.

External: Frequent contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Frequent contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise research assistants and technicians.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor's degree in science required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within oncology, in particularly the development of novel technologies, such as biomarkers, drugs, and diagnostics.
2. Strong molecular biology skills; novel primer design and plasmid generation for gene manipulation experiments.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is needed. Experience using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is a plus.
7. Ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory data.
8. Ability and willingness to learn new techniques and procedures as needed.
9. Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
11. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
12. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The employee will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and chemicals. Employees 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, and when needed working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment.

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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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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