Title: Research Associate Specialized Technical Skills
Department: Genetics and Genome Sciences
School: Medicine
Location: BRB
Supervisor Name and Title: Mitchell Drumm, Professor
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Research Associate with specialized technical skills will have two primary roles, both of which require a high degree of independence. One is to evaluate tissue sections from mice for features of pathology in various organs. The second is to assist in operations of a histology and microscopy core within the Cystic Fibrosis Research Center. The Research Associate STS will collaborate with faculty, department staff, post-doctoral fellows, students and technicians in the performance and analysis of complex and advanced research studies carried out by the Drumm lab. The individual in this position will carry out lung infection studies using endoscopic procedures in mice, to access the airways, and carry out pre-clinical studies in mice to test potential therapeutics. The second role is to direct microscopy and histology services within the cystic fibrosis research group. As co-director of the histology and microscopy core, the individual will oversee tissue sectioning and staining by lab personnel and teach and assist with fluorescence microscopy. The work will largely relate to cystic fibrosis but will also encompass other genetic diseases. The Research Associate STS will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design. The Research Associate STS will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Design and implement bacterial inoculation strategies to serve as lung infection models in mice. Plan and execute experiments for research projects designed by the principal investigator and may design experiments independently and in collaboration with the PI. 15%
2. Design assessment strategies for measuring immune function and bacterial killing in the mouse models, incorporating temporal strategies to examine effects over time. This will entail use of state of the art assays to measure immune cells, inflammatory markers, and histologic analyses. 30%
3. Serve as co-director of the cystic fibrosis histology and microscopy core, providing oversight of core functions, as well as teaching fluorescence microscopy to students, staff and other lab personnel and assisting investigators in choosing the appropriate fluorophores for their studies. 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. 40%
4. Work with Dr. Drumm to prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals, 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.
Assess, update, and develop new standard operating pro. 10%
5. Prepare reports for funding agencies and internal purposes. 5%
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Perform other duties as assigned, such as lab duties that are rotated across lab personnel (check supplies, etc.).
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with department staff
University: Frequent contact with laboratory assistants, postdocs, clinical fellows. department administrators
External: Anticipate investigators from other institutions who will want to learn the endoscopic procedure.
Students: Frequent interaction with graduate students, some undergraduates
Collapse Description
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience generating transgenic, gene edited or knockout mice or similar skill sets (involving micromanipulation and animal work).
Education/Licensing: A masters or doctoral degree in Biological Sciences.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Demonstrated expertise meeting benchmarks in the generation of mouse genetic models through pronuclear injection or electroporation of zygotes followed by embryo transfer to recipient pseudopregnant females.
- Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in biomedical research and animal models.
- Meticulously follows instructions, pre-established guidelines, protocols and policies to perform the functions of the job with consistency and accuracy.
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, administrative and compliance staff, and customers.
- Must be able to work with mice. Must be able to physically handle animal cages located on both the upper and lower shelves of the animal caging racks.
- Must demonstrate compliance with university Animal Resource Center (ARC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use policies, procedures and protocols and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, CWRU Institutional Biosafety Committee and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
- Must demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Ability to handle animals with care and respect at all times.
- Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, and processes to protect the health and welfare of the animals.
- Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. The employee will be expected to adhere to all required certification for laboratory work and adhere to all safety regulations including the use of personal protective equipment, standard lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses when appropriate.
May have exposure to hazards. Risks of occupational exposure include liquid nitrogen, chemicals, and mice during the performance of assigned duties.
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.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University and the Case Transgenic and Targeting Facility are committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Please send applications to Michelle Yanick at mxy36@case.edu