Research Associate (Laboratory Research) - Biomedical Engineering

Date: March 2025

Title: Research Associate (Laboratory Research)

Department: Biomedical Engineering

School: Engineering

Location: Wickenden Building

Supervisor Name and Title: Andrew Shoffstall, Ph.D., Associate Professor

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Shoffstall lab focuses on two primary areas of research: 1) biomedical materials design and testing (including injectable and resorbable electrodes, novel material coatings and substrates, and tissue response), and 2) neural engineering and modulation (including neural anatomy, imaging, and targeted drug delivery for therapeutic applications). In addition, Dr. Shoffstall has been awarded a unique NIH funded contract entitled REconstructing Vagal Anatomy (REVA). This project is a 3 year NIH SPARC grant which aims to assist in speeding up the development of therapeutic devices that control electrical activity in nerves to improve chronic medical conditions by characterizing the vagus nerve using a number of different imaging modalities. The REVA teams’ goal will be to show how nerve tracts in the vagus map to organs. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve has been used to treat epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart failure, among other conditions. The research associate will work primarily with micro Computed Tomography (microCT) to image and analyze vagus nerves and vagal branches from human cadaveric and animal tissue. The research associate will participate in maintaining a strong lab culture within the research group and work in a highly collaborative, milestone-driven project.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. With the principal investigator, provide scientific oversight of all microCT image collection and data analysis. Specifically, a)  prepare nerve samples (cadaveric and occasionally animal samples)  for microCT image collection, evaluate imaging for data completeness and quality, b) correlate images with other project image analysis techniques, and d) review and present microCT data to the team. (25%)
2. Coordinate microCT-related dissections and analysis performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources and assisting with experimental design. 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 microCT research projects. (25%)
3. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. (25%)
4. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, contribute preliminary data for grant proposals, contribute to writing grant proposals. Complete literature reviews and summary of relevant prior literature on normal human vagus imaging (10%)
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. (10%)
6. 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%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with PI and lab members, work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed.

University: Regular contact with other labs for collaboration, regular contact with the Animal Resource Center, regular contact with other departments as needed         

External: Occasional contact with supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed.

Students: Daily contact with undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. Oversee lab members including postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Experience: 0-3 years of relevant lab related experience required. Minimum of 3 years preferred.

Education/Licensing: PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Medicine.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

1. Experience with microCT procedures and images.
2. Detailed knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurology.
3. Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
7. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
8. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.
9. Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.

APPLICATION

Interested applicants should submit a CV to Dr. Andrew Shoffstall; andrew.shoffstall@case.edu

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory and cubicle/office environment. May have exposure to hazards, including hazardous chemicals. Occasional on campus travel between laboratories/schools, and extended hours when on deadline for grant submissions. Occasional travel to present data at local or national conferences. This position is not eligible for the staff hybrid work program. This position will work with animals.

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.