Research Assistants

Title: Research Assistant 1

Department: Physiology & Biophysics

School: Medicine

Location: SOM, Robbins, Room E-534

Supervisor Name and Title: Tingwei Mu, PhD, Associate Professor

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the research assistant 1 will participate in research projects on elucidating molecular mechanism of membrane protein quality control. He or she will also be part of our drug discovery project for neurological/neurodevelopmental diseases. The successful candidate needs to have excellent problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills to assist the PI for the laboratory management. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform routine, well-established cell biological and protein biochemistry experiments (cell culture, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence) (40%).

2. Perform molecular biological experiments (PCR and cloning) (10%).

3. Perform supervised animal surgery as required to complete experiments. (10%).

4. Conduct data analysis of the experimental results (10%).

5. Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments (10%)

6. Maintain records of experiments in an appropriate laboratory notebook. (5%).

7. Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Miscellaneous laboratory duties such as inventory, lab supply ordering, and housekeeping (5%).

2. Perform other duties as assigned (5%).

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the principal investigator to discuss research progress, goals and time management. Contact with laboratory employees when collaborating.

University: Occasional contact with Animal Resource Center staff in the course of performing duties.

External: No contact expected.

Students: Occasional contact with laboratory student employees, when working on a common research project.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor of Science degree and 0 to 1 year of experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in chemistry and biology.

2. Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

3. Effective communication skills.

4. Good interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with individuals within the laboratory.

5. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks

6. Ability to meet consistent attendance requirements.

7. Ability to work in a changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines.

8. Ability to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.

9. Must be able to complete all training requirements as set by the university and appropriate regulatory agencies.

10. Ability to learn how to operate standard laboratory equipment.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS

Laboratory is located in a designated space within the School of Medicine. There are frequent interruptions and distractions. There is exposure to research specific chemicals, and appropriate laboratory apparel might be required including lab coat, gloves, and protective eyewear.

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


HOW TO APPLY

Please send the following to tingwei.muATcase.edu

  1. A personal statement with a focus on research.

  2. CV.

  3. Copy of college transcript.

  4. Contact information of two referees.

  5. Complete this questionnaire.