Date: August 2023
Title: Senior Research Associate
Department: Biomedical Engineering
School: Engineering
Location: Wickenden
Supervisor Name and Title: Abhinav Acharya, Assistant Professor
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Acharya lab focuses on developing novel biomaterials from metabolites. These biomaterials are tested for their ability to modulate metabolism of immune cells, and test if these can modulate disease outcomes. The Senior Research Associate will oversee research projects within the lab, providing scientific oversight, guidance to lab members, and lab management in the absence of the principal investigator. The Senior Research Associate will design and plan projects on development of biomaterials and cancer and autoimmune diseases, oversee collaborations where pertinent, and supervise undergraduate students, manage animal models, and fully execute research projects with the aim of publication articles, and generating data for submitting proposals, and providing scientific advances in immunometabolism and immunoengineering fields. The Senior Research Associate will utilize scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, polymer synthesis protocols, and animal handling skills. The Senior Research Associate will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design and project plans. The Senior 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
- Provide scientific oversight of all research projects, including data collection and maintenance. (10%)
- With the principal investigator, establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet regularly with the principal investigator to review and set priorities, staff/student-related issues, and future research staff and planning. (20%)
- Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects with the aim of generating formulations for cancer treatment. Perform analysis of SEM, TEM, DLS, Western blotting, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, in vivo studies using animals. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. (55%)
- Develop new techniques and protocols to advance research projects within the lab. Train lab members on new techniques. (10%)
- Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure pro jects 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 post-docs. 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. (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 (30-45%)
University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with the Animal Resource Center, Contact with other departments as needed (20-30%)
External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed (5-10%)
Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab (20-30%)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. May supervise Research Associates within the lab.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of related postdoctoral experience required. Experience in preferred field(s) of study preferred.
Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or other terminal degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or Pathology.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
- SEM
- TEM
- DLS
- Animal handling
- Chemical synthesis
- 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.
- 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
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.
TO APPLY
Please email CV to:
Abhinav Acharya, PhD
axa1826@case.edu