AllDiverse - Higher Education Jobs | Research Assistant 1 at Case Western Reserve University in Campus, Illinois

Apply Now

Case Western Reserve University
Location: Campus, Illinois
Category: Admin-Laboratory and Research
Posting Date: 07/20/2023
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, perform research work in medical and related technical. The Research Assistant 1 will perform activities for a national surveillance lab dedicated to diagnostic and research work on prion diseases. The research assistant will facilitate ongoing specimen accessioning, tissue bank management, laboratory inventory management and quality control.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Accession samples accurately in a BSL2 lab. Handle prion infected specimens and evaluate them for testing viability in a timely manner. Match received specimen paperwork with coordinating specimen label(s) for accuracy. Identify and report discrepancies immediately. (25%)

Prepare, evaluate and assign samples to relevant lab staff, including genetic DNA extraction, CSF, histology and Western Blot testing. Document all correspondence and input information in database. Handle specimen verification calls to the sender or referring physician to verify how the sample was treated and any other knowledge deemed necessary. (20%)

Coordinate and maintain the transfer of research samples between the university and other institutions ensuring all applicable policies are adhered to. Manage all import permits. Authorize all shipping and slide picture requests, including receiving and exporting of materials. Obtain hazardous shipping certificate. (15%)

Coordinate the ordering of boxes for autopsy shipments to providers and accession autopsy tissue when received at the NPDPSC. (15%)

Serve as point person for iLab internal and external research requests. Regularly monitor requests, locate samples by freezer location, communicate and provide samples to appropriate lab personnel for processing. Maintain freezer locations and tissue bank space needs. Reorganize all specimens as necessary to better suit and facilitate the department’s work (10%)

Organize, label and transfer repository of archived fixed brain tissue from large s to smaller s for long-term storage purposes. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintain supply inventory and place orders in a timely manner. (5%)

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the manager of the center and other members of the research and diagnostic groups, other support personnel, faculty and postdoctoral fellows.

University: Occasional contact with faculty and staff in the School of Medicine, University Hospital Department of Medicine and numerous support and service departments in University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University.

External: Limited contact with suppliers of laboratory products and supplies.

Students: Contact with student employees.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Must be extremely well organized and capable of setting priorities while maintaining consistent attention to accuracy and quality.

Must show great transparency in work and be able to create SOP’s as necessary for work functions and protocols. Must keep exceptionally accurate and easily retrievable records.

Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of chemistry and biology.

Must be motivated to explore and learn new laboratory techniques and must be able to teach laboratory techniques to other technicians.

Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and be a team player.

Punctuality and ability to meet consistent attendance.

Must be able to manage specimen storage for permanent tissue bank.

Ability to operate laboratory equipment.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, school and university, and with individuals outside the university.

Good/strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.

Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making.

Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standard laboratory conditions with some hazardous chemicals. Special hazards include biohazardous (potentially infectious) human brain and cerebrospinal fluid and other bloodborne pathogens and chemicals. The following personal protective equipment required: appropriate gloves, protective eyewear, laboratory coat, and safety shoes.

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.

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.