Research Assistant 3 Position

Research Assistant 3 Position

Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical the Research Assistant 3 will conduct studies of T cell and B cell responses. Work will include tissue culture, cellular assays, molecular assays, flow cytometry among other approaches. In addition to this project, the research assistant will conduct general experiments and will have her/his own project. This position will work with animals. The mouse work will be supported by Core labs that do mouse genotyping, histopathology, confocal analyses antibody production and flow cytometry.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate laboratory/ research activities. The research assistant will work with other lab members and maintain the specialized knockout and transgenic mice uniquely developed in the lab. Understand the background and rational of the experiments that the lab is performing with mice. Coordinate studies of T cell and B cell responses. T cell projects involve developing Foxp3⁺ T regulatory cell (Treg) biotherapy enabling suppression of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). One B cell project is directed at developing an improved vaccine approach that can used to boost anti-COVID19 or anti-cancer antibody and T cell responses. Studies will involve immunizations of with mRNA or plasmid encoding antigen or COVID19 peptide in lipid nanoparticles. (12%)
2. Work closely with the principal investigator. Interact regularly with the principal investigator to help coordinate general lab activities and discuss animal studies. Participate in lab meetings and teaching sessions on immunology. (6%)
3. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Conduct cell culture, basic molecular biology, Western blotting, flow cytometry, isolation of RNA for gene expression analyses and other molecular and cellular techniques as needed for project development. In vitro experiments involve working with mammalian cell lines, primary cells isolated from mouse tissues or bone marrow, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or cells. (59%)
4. Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. Prepare protocols (IACUCs) for studies with mice. Work with colleagues in collaborating laboratories for techniques as the research assignments require, such as Cell staining for flow cytometry and co-immunoprecipitations. Contribute collaboratively as a member of the research team. Help prepare safety protocols. (7%)
5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures. Study and test new procedures and analyzes data. B and T cell isolations and activation assays. Specialized agents will be added to the nanoparticles to heighten responses. Readouts will be antibody responses (ELISAs) and T cell responses (flow cytometry, ELISAs and ELISPOT assays). (6%)
6. Collect and analyze data. Acquire flow cytometry data and analyze; as well as immune assays such as ELISA, Goal is to provide data for publication. May co-author research projects. (7%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Maintain liquid nitrogen tanks. Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)
2. May monitor the laboratory budget. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise students and technicians

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Knowledge and understanding of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures within the field of basic molecular biology, microbiology and immunology research. Immune cell isolation and analytical techniques. Background in immunology and B or T cell experiments is preferable.
2. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
3. Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
4. Must possess technical skills in cell culture, RNA extraction and PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry
5. Proficiency in computer techniques PowerPoint, Excel, Photoshop preferred
6. Experience working with mice, proper handling and care of mice, general surgical techniques and the collection of blood and tissue samples preferred. Veterinary help will be available.
7. Working knowledge and understanding of flow cytometry data acquisition and analyses and immune assays such as ELISA, preferred but not required; if this experience is not present initially, must be able to learn and master these approaches.
8. Ability to analyze numerical data with standard computational approaches, including basic statistical approaches and to prepare graphs, tables and other analytic presentations of data.
9. Effectively communicate and work with individuals from a broad spectrum of backgrounds within the department, school and university.
10. Good/strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and follow-through.
11. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
12. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able to (work in a fast-paced, changing environment) and have flexibility of time.
13. Must have willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer programs as needed.
14. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
15. Must demonstrate compliance with university 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.
16. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within university facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
17. Must be able and willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
18. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
19. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
20. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. The employee will be exposed to infectious agents and chemicals. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment for BSL3 and ABSL3 environments such as gloves, coat, eyewear, scrubs, coveralls, and respiratory protection when required. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a biology laboratory, working with mice in the laboratory and in the animal facility, working in BSL3 and ABSL3 environments. Working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment.

CWRU's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and are 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.