Job Information
Case Western Reserve University Research Assistant 2 in Cleveland, Ohio
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research study activities in accordance with general plans of the department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology. This position will be responsible for conducting basic research aimed at studying the role of the accessory genome in virulence of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The research assistant will help plan and independently carry out work, with an emphasis on work using an animal model of infection. The position also encompasses microbiological, genetic, molecular biological, and microscopy techniques. This position will work with animals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Plan and carry out infection experiments using a mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infection. Carry out research using microbiological, molecular biological and genetic techniques to study virulence mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (50%)
- Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Perform microbiological culture techniques, manipulation of DNA (PCR, cloning), protein gels and western blot analysis. May assist in developing improved techniques, project methods or procedures, such as new recombination-based techniques for generating gene fusions in vivo. (25%)
- Collect, analyze and format data for presentation, such as bacterial survival numbers in an infection model, cell type and count in infected corneas, cytokine levels. (10%)
Oversee inventory. Order and maintain lab stocks of media and buffers. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- May be involved in familiarizing new members of the laboratory with common laboratory practices and techniques. Train new staff; direct the work of students. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss experiments, results, ordering and other lab-related topics. Daily contact with other members of the laboratory and the department, to facilitate the exchange of ideas, techniques etc.
University: Frequent contact outside of the department includes work in the laboratory of our collaborators in the Visual Sciences Research Center as well as other core facilities, as necessary to achieve a given research objective. Frequent contact with administrative departments, such as the Department of Occupational and Environmental Safety (DOES), to update chemical hygiene and bloodborne pathogen plans.
External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information, ordering, pricing and technical information on products. Frequent Contact with high school student interns to mentor them when in the lab.
Students: Frequent contact with graduate students and undergraduate students to provide training and assistance with research and obtaining needed supplies.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Previous experience working with animals