POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the research assistant 1 will perform research work toward understanding the role of the GOLPH3 pathway in Golgi secretory trafficking and intracellular signaling. The research assistant will perform trafficking and signaling assays in cell culture. The research assistant will also be involved in managing a transgenic mouse colony. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform research work involving use of laboratory skills by following research plan and procedures and protocols. Use model cell culture systems, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and mass spectroscopy to identify and quantify signaling protein complexes, and measure signal transduction pathway activation under defined conditions. (10%)
2. Conduct analysis of samples using established methods and techniques, including generating, storing, and analyzing samples, and quantifying and presenting the resulting data in pictoral or graphical format. Techniques used include sterile cell culture and expression of recombinant proteins by transfection with specific plasmid DNAs; siRNA transfection for knockdown of specific proteins, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and quantification of specific proteins from immunoblots; immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy; and basic statistics. (40%)
3. Under guidance, assist in managing a transgenic mouse colony, including setting up breeding, weaning of litter, and recording of data using database software. (10%)
4. Record results for each individual experimental attempt in personal notebook (paper and electronic), including detailed procedures used, results obtained, and analysis performed. (10%)
5. Maintain records of all experiments on the lab data server. (10%)
6. Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments and maintain work area in an organized and clean state. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

1. Order laboratory supplies as needed (4%)
2. Maintain up-to-date laboratory safety training (1%)
3. Maintain familiarity with other work ongoing in the lab by reading research papers and attending weekly lab meetings. (3%)
4. Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research. Frequent (daily/weekly) contact with other lab members to discuss overall research within the group, and specific research, problems, and solutions.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share samples and information.

External: Occasional contact with external collaborators to share samples and information.

Students: Occasional contact with student employees and volunteers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICAITONS

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

1. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of post-translational modifications and cellular signaling.
2. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
3. Ability to operate laboratory equipment, including autoclave, deep freezer, centrifuges, spectrophotometer, and electrophoresis.
4. Must demonstrate compliance with university animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
5. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
6. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
7. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health of the animals.
8. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General research laboratory environment. Will work with bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and radioactive materials. Will be required to attend safety training for Bloodborne Pathogens, Laboratory Safety, and Radiation Safety. Will work occasionally with mice and will be required to undergo relevant training. Employees will be required to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, lab coat, and eyewear. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a cell and molecular biology laboratory, working with mice and other animal models in the laboratory and in the animal facility.

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 School of Medicine 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.

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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