Research Assistant 2 (2 Year Term)

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $19.41 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 performs and independently supports research activities in accordance with the general project plans for an NIH-funded human biomarker discovery investigation housed within the School of Nursing. The position supports a project aimed at establishing cell-free RNA-based diagnostic tests for both clinical laboratory and point-of-care use to rapidly identify stroke in emergency medicine settings. This role contributes by performing molecular biology workflows, maintaining a human specimen biorepository, supporting laboratory operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This is a 24-month term position and plays a key role in executing experimental workflows and ensuring smooth laboratory operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and carry out projects in accordance with general plans. This includes, but is not limited to, implementing workflows to isolate nucleic acids from human biofluids, preparing samples for downstream experimental use, measuring DNA and RNA using amplification techniques such as quantitative PCR, digital PCR, and LAMP, and generating synthetic RNA standards using conventional PCR, bacterial cloning, and in vitro transcription. (25%)
• Conduct a series of experiments to support larger research projects. Analyze clinical specimens using prototype molecular diagnostic tests and following established laboratory protocols. (25%)
• May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. This includes but is not limited to assisting with the technical development and troubleshooting of prototype diagnostic tests to enhance experimental quality and reliability. (10%)
• Collect, analyze, and document experimental data to support research integrity and data accessibility by maintaining electronic databases and recording experiments in a detailed electronic laboratory notebook. (20%)
• Oversee inventory. Order supplies and equipment. Maintain a biorepository of human specimens and ensure proper cataloging, storage, and organization. Coordinate the shipping and receiving of biological samples. Maintain a clean and organized lab environment and document compliance with State, Federal, and Institutional safety and biosafety regulations. (10%)
• Train new staff and direct the work of students to support laboratory operations by providing guidance on laboratory procedures, equipment use, and maintenance. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (4%)

CONTACTS

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

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.

External: Limited contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Frequent contact with student employees to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/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

• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
• Rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• Strong theoretical and experiential understanding of basic molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular cloning.
• Experience working with human biofluids is preferred.
• Strong attention to scientific detail and technical problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization skills are a must, including the ability to maintain meticulous, complete, and easily retrievable laboratory records.
• Ability to effectively manage time, multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a clean laboratory working environment.
• Above average computing skills and comfort using digital laboratory systems such as remote equipment monitoring systems, electronic inventory management solutions, electronic laboratory record keeping solutions, and cloud-based data storage solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel) is essential.
• Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the university.
• Must be self-motivated, and demonstrate a willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, and processes as needed.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
• Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI).

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. Will work with general chemicals and human biospecimens and will need to take general laboratory and biosafety training (provided through Case Western Environmental Health and Safety office). Personal protective equipment, including lab coats, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

This is a Term position. They are treated like regular staff positions for medical and dental benefits eligibility, vacation, holidays, and sick time. Term employees are not eligible for life insurance, retirement, long term disability, short term disability, tuition assistance, layoff status, or severance pay. Staff in term positions are also subject to the performance management review process and positive corrective action when work performance or behavior is unsatisfactory or unacceptable. Term employment does not alter the employment-at-will employee status of these employees.

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Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

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

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