Date: May 23, 2022
Title: Research Associate (Laboratory Research) #725
Department: Medicine, Cardiology
School: Medicine
Location: Wolstein Research Building, room 4401A
Supervisor Name and Title: Andrei Maiseyeu, Assistant Professor
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Maiseyeu lab focuses on drug and gene delivery to the cardiovascular system. The lab has a longstanding interest in not only development of different drug delivery vehicles and adjuvants for delivery, but also extensive testing in biological systems. The lab utilizes various mouse and cellular models of inflammation, fibrosis, neurodegeneration and cardiomyopathies. The Research Associate will execute research projects with the aim of testing various therapeutic entities, including nano-scale drugs in models of neurodegeneration, including traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease. Under the guidance of the PI, the Research Associate is expected to work independently, design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, supervise students, manage animal models, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion. The Research Associate will utilize various genetic mouse models to test in vivo performance of aforementioned therapies. This role will also focus on different aspects of in vivo testing including, but not limited to, toxicology screens, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy outcome measurements. The Research Associate will use various cellular in vitro models to test therapeutics in cell lines and primary cell cultures manipulated under different conditions including knockdown and overexpression. The Research Associate will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design. The Research Associate will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Plan and execute experiments for research projects designed by the principal investigator and may design experiments independently and in collaboration with the PI. Assist with and coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Ensure the PI is informed about the results of lab members, and ensure the PI’s experimental strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the Research Associate. (30%)
- Conduct experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Studies involve but are not limited to analysis of toxicity, biodistribution and efficacy measures in animal models through various techniques (Western blotting, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR). Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. (15%)
- Assist the PI in and independently develop new techniques and protocols. Train lab members on new techniques. (15%)
- Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and postdocs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate trainings for lab members with the EHS and others, as needed. (15%)
- Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. (5%)
- Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. (5%)
- Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab. (5%)
- May supervise research assistants and technicians. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other lab members, ensuring proper lab procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for lab work. (5%)
- Operate laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, fume and biosafety hoods, PCR cyclers, Western blot imagers, fluorescence microscope, plate readers, ultralow freezers and other equipment. Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents. (5%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Perform other duties as assigned.
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed
University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with the Animal Resource Center, Contact with other departments as needed
External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed
Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No direct supervisory responsibilities. Will train and provide oversight to lab staff and students.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Minimum of 3 to 7 years of related postdoctoral or industry experience required. Experience in preferred field(s) of study preferred (cardiovascular, neuroscience). Education/Licensing: PhD degree in pharmacology, physiology or biomedical sciences.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Animal handling and ability to perform basic experimentation in live animals including injections (ip, iv, sc).
- PCR, Western blotting, histology including immunohistochemistry.
- Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.
- Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.
- Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
- Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
- Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.
- Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed. Expected computer skills: Microsoft Office, G-suite by Google, and contemporary graphing software.
- Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
- Must demonstrate compassion for animals within CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
- Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Standard working conditions including 40-hour work week and standard physical demands including work with animals and exposures to standard laboratory hazards, including biohazards. Occasional travel for conferences (<2 times every year) and occasional necessary overtime (evenings, weekends) are expected.
Case'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.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
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.
Apply to axm1079@case.edu