Date: Jan 11, 2024
Title: Research Associate
Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
School: Case School of Engineering
Location: Case Western Reserve University (Building/Room: TBD)
Supervisor Name and Title: Harihara Baskaran, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Will also report to Rodrigo Somoza and Jean Welter, Research Associate Professors of Biology.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision and in close collaboration with the principal investigator and senior staff the research associate 1 will carry out complex research assignments to engineer functional cartilage and bone tissues for a newly funded interdisciplinary research project with investigators from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Case School of Engineering and the School of Medicine. The research associate 1 will join a highly accomplished and active team of engineers and scientists whose activities include cell and tissue engineering, biomaterials, and bioreactor development for cartilage and bone. The research associate will be expected to contribute to oral and written communication of project findings such as progress reports, publications, and presentations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Coordinate and carry out laboratory/research activities regarding the development, deployment and integration of cells with biomaterials for cartilage and bone constructs by focusing on the optimization of reactor culture conditions. (40%)
- Maintain accurate data recording, analyze data, write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Contribute to the preparation of quarterly progress reports to the granting agency. (10%)
- Work closely with senior research staff. Generate, organize, and analyze collected data, and create tables and figures for discussion. (10%)
- Carry out complex engineering assignments of a non-routine nature. This will include but not limited to in silico reactor design and development, working with staff engineer to fabricate reactors, and coordinate with biomechanical testing group to perform mechanical testing. (15%)
- Devise new protocols and techniques involving a high degree of skill and training. (5%)
- Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data (5%)
- May supervise technicians and research assistants. (5%)
- May monitor the laboratory budget. Oversee lab inventory and order supplies as needed. (5%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assist with day-to day lab operations and maintenance (2%)
- Train new staff and direct work of technicians when needed (2%).
- Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with faculty and staff in the department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering to collaborate on research project.
University: Continuous contact with faculty and staff in the departments of Biology, Mechanical and Aerospace, Chemical, and Civil Engineering who are part of the research team to coordinate and conduct research for the project. Frequent contact with faculty and staff in the department of Biostatistics for experiment planning and data analysis
External: Weekly contact with external collaborators (industrial and academic) for experimental planning.
Students: No contact with students.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise Research Assistants and Technicians in the group.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Bioengineering background. Preference will be given to researchers with experience in cell culture, molecular biology and tissue engineering. Practical experience in a manufacturing setting would be an asset. Also see required skills, below.
Education/Licensing: A PhD or equivalent (in Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology/Physiology, Regenerative Medicine or related fields)
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, meet deadlines, manage work from multiple individuals, manage and perform multiple tasks.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English. This is critical. The Project involves a large group and keeping everyone apprised of developments and progress is key to smooth operation.
- Very good time-management skills.
- Self-motivated with great problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data sets & communicate data in a clear and concise manner.
- Expertise in bioreactor design, cell culture and tissue culture in bioreactors is highly desired.
- Familiarity with MatLab, CAD/CAM software (Solidworks, Autocad or similar), and physics-based modeling software (Comsol, Abacus or similar) desirable.
- Familiarity with 3D printing/bioprinting and G-code optimization desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS
University safety training is required. Working conditions includes the use of personal protective equipment, i.e., appropriate gloves, protective eyewear, laboratory coat, appropriate footwear. The individual should be able to perform the following activities, bend, stoop, kneel, push, pull, reach above shoulder, repetitive motion, type, use a computer (mouse and keyboard). Be able to work in a confined space. Be able to frequently transit between the lab and other University facilities carrying research supplies. Working in an indoor laboratory/office setting and with common laboratory apparatus and chemicals. Working with cells and tissues classified as blood-borne pathogens. Working outside standard working days or hours may be occasionally required when performing certain activities, such as cell culture. Occasional travel to attend conferences or to work with outside collaborators.
APPLICATION
Qualified candidates should send their CV and a letter of interest to Dr. Harihara Baskaran at hxb35@case.edu.