STS Research Associate/Senior Research Associate - Genetics and Genome Sciences

Title: STS Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

Department: Genetics and Genome Sciences

School: Medicine

Location: Wolstein Research Building

Supervisor Name and Title: Ronald Conlon, Professor of Genetics and Genome Sciences and Director of the Case Transgenic and Targeting Facility

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, plan and carry out core functions in accordance with general plans.

This position will work with animals.

The position is lab-based and on-site.

This position will work closely with the core director and--along with the rest of the core--support the research of the biomedical institutions affiliated with Case Western Reserve University through the generation rederivation and preservation of mouse genetic models.

This position is within a core which supports the work of local researchers, but in some cases research on methodologies and technologies may be conducted within the core itself. 

The Case Transgenic and Targeting Facility (http://ko.cwru.edu) of Cleveland's Case Western Reserve University is a leader in creating gene-edited mouse models for basic research and for translation of novel therapeutic approaches (https://case.edu/medicine/findpipeline). We seek to grow our existing gene editing services with the addition of a microinjectionist.

The individual we are looking to hire will have experience and success as a microinjectionist. The primary role of this position is the generation of gene edited mice through microinjection or electroporation and embryo transfer. Additional roles include blastocyst injection, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, rederivation, cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization, and reanimation of cryopreserved mouse strains. 

The Case Transgenic and Targeting Facility of Cleveland's Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is a leader in CRISPR/Cas gene editing. We have been in continuous operation for over 20 years, and our success in gene editing has given us the opportunity to grow. We garnered grant support from JobsOhio and philanthropic support from the Research Institute for Childrens Health to hire an additional microinjectionist. We have long term support from the School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, the CWRU Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative, and the Cystic Fibrosis Mouse Resource Center and a broad user base of regional researchers. Join us, in beautiful affordable Cuyahoga County.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Generation of gene edited mice (60%)
   1. Perform mouse handling including superovulation, mating, weaning
   2. Perform euthanasia of mice and collection of their eggs or zygotes
   3. Perform pronuclear injection and electroporation of mouse zygotes
   4.       Perform surgery on mice, including oviduct transfer and vasectomy
2. Rederive mouse strains to specific pathogen-free status (10%)
3. Cryopreserve mouse sperm, embryos and ovaries (5%)
4. Perform in vitro fertilization (5%)
5. Reanimate cryopreserved mouse strains (5%)
6. Perform research to improve methodologies associated with mouse genetic models (10%)
   1. Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans
   2. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project
   3. Collect and analyze data
   4. Discuss the results in the context of prior knowledge and develop new experimental plans
7. Perform pronuclear injection to generate transgenic mice (<1%)
8. Inject mouse embryonic stem cells into mouse blastocysts to generate chimeric mice (<1%)
9. Perform intracytoplasmic sperm injection (<1%)
10. Direct the work of student employees. (<1%)
11. Participate in staff meetings (<1%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS 

Core: Daily contact with core staff to coordinate work. Weekly contact with core director.

Department, University and Affiliated Institutions: Daily contact with clients to coordinate work. Weekly contact with administrators to manage purchases and invoicing.

Students: Daily contact with student employees to coordinate and schedule their work.

External: Limited contact with vendors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

Direct the work of student employees.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: Greater than 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 

1. 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. 
2. Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in biomedical research and animal models. 
3. Meticulously follows instructions, pre-established guidelines, protocols and policies to perform the functions of the job with consistency and accuracy. 
4. Ability to interact and communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, administrative and compliance staff, and customers.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, and processes to protect the health and welfare of the animals.
9. 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 

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