POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will provide technical support and perform cancer-focused research with a selected faculty investigator to be determined. Working with the selected faculty member, the individual will develop, implement, and execute a cancer-focused research project. The individual is expected to spend working hours executing, and evaluating experiments that support the research project under the direction of the faculty member or other lab supervisor(s) as appropriate. In addition, the research assistant will work with the faculty members to develop and maintain an individual development plan to identify additional opportunities and goals for their career development. Individual career enhancement activities for the research assistant include coursework attending meetings, seminars, and retreats; communication coaching; presenting at national conferences; and professional networking.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform cancer-focused research experiments under moderate supervision. Develop a research project implementing experimental and safety protocols. Ensure availability of required supplies, equipment, and reagents. Utilize and maintain common laboratory and test equipment (such as, but not limited to, heat baths; pipettors; centrifuges; culture and fume hoods; thermocyclers; rockers; microscopes; electrophoresis apparatus; etc.) utilized in experiments. Conduct analysis of samples (such as, but not limited to, cultured cells, RNA, DNA, protein, cancer tissue, etc.). Order laboratory supplies. (65%)
2. Participate in career enhancement activities (such as, lab meetings; coursework; communication coaching; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center or Department seminar series; and annual Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Scientific Retreat, Bench to Bedside Retreat, and Cancer Disparities Conference (20%)
3. Maintain records of experiments and record results for each experiment or closely related series of experiments (such as, but not limited to, cell viability assays; polymerase chain reactions; gel electrophoresis; western blots; etc.). Communicate research objectives, studies, and results including presentations within the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center or at national research conferences. (6%)
4. Generate and revise an individual development plan to determine career enhancement goals with regular reassessment to evaluate progress and identify activities that will provide additional training to meet the determined goals. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned (including additional career enhancement activities). (3%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with a mentoring committee, monthly to assess research progress, provide and receive feedback, discuss future career enhancement activities, resolve conflicts; Supervisor, weekly to resolve conflicts, seek guidance, assess progress, determine upcoming responsibilities.

University: Continuous contact with selected faculty mentor (NIH funded investigator at the school of medicine, to be named) daily/weekly, immediate research project supervisor (maybe research assistant, postdoc, or graduate student) daily. These individuals will guide the mentored research projects on a daily basis providing instruction in laboratory safety, methodology, project development, analyzing data, and reporting results. They will also assist with generation and revision of the Individual Development Plan to enhance career development.

External: Limited contact with conference attendees at Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists or other national conferences to present their work.

Students: Weekly/daily contact - lab research, journal clubs, lab meetings, and department seminars.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program. 0 to 2 years of experience. Applicants must be accepted in the Case Comprehensive Cancer ACS-Postbaccalaureate program in order to apply for this position.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
2. Good interpersonal skills: ability to work and communicate with various individuals within the department, school, and university, and with individuals outside the university.
3. Good organization skills: ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
4. Ability to work effectively independently and within a team.
5. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
6. Ability to learn and apply new ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc.
7. Ability to problem-solve as needed.
8. Ability to follow-through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.
9. Technical competence with software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database applications, and with internet navigation. Ability to learn and apply software programs and applications as needed.
10. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within biological science (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, physical science).
11. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
12. Ability to operate common laboratory equipment such as, but not limited to, heat baths, pipettors, centrifuges, culture and fume hoods, thermocyclers, rockers, microscopes, electrophoresis apparatus, etc.
13. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
14. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May be exposed to animals, infectious agent, radioactive materials, chemicals and bloodborne pathogens. Personal protective equipment including lab coat, gloves, and goggles will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. Travel to one national conference is expected.

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.

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Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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