Research Assistant 1 - Molecular Biomarker Core (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 $17.65 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 OBJECTIVEWorking under general supervision, Research Assistant 1 performs and supports research activities in medical and related technical fields that support 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 maintaining a human specimen biorepository, performing molecular biology workflows, and supporting regulatory compliance. This is a 24-month term position and plays a key role in executing experimental workflows and ensuring smooth laboratory operations.Essential FunctionsPerform and support research activities in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab skills. Perform molecular biology research activities to support development and evaluation of cell-free RNA-based diagnostic tests by applying techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, quantitative, digital, and conventional PCR, bacterial cloning, and in vitro transcription as part of larger experimental workflows. (25%)Conduct analyses of samples. Analyze clinical specimens to evaluate prototype molecular diagnostic tests by processing and testing human samples using established laboratory protocols and procedures. (25%)Record and organize results for a particular experiments or closely related series of experiments. Organize and maintain experimental data and research integrity by documenting experiments and maintaining electronic databases. (10%)Maintain detailed records of experiments. Maintain records of experiments in a detailed electronic laboratory notebook to ensure proper documentation for regulatory compliance and research integrity. (10%)Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Maintain a clean and organized lab environment to support safe and effective research operations by keeping the lab clean, organized, and documenting compliance with State, Federal, and Institutional safety and biosafety regulations. (10%) Order laboratory supplies and manage biological samples to support uninterrupted research activities by maintaining a biorepository of human specimens, ensuring proper cataloging and storage, and coordinating the shipping and receiving of biological samples in compliance with regulatory guidelines (16%). Nonessential FunctionsPerform other duties as assigned. (4%)CONTACTSDepartment: 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: Occasional contact with student employees to exchange information.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITYThis position has no direct supervision of staff employees.QualificationsEducation/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.Required SkillsHas knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies 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.WORKING CONDITIONSWork is performed in a general laboratory environment with possible exposure to hazards, including chemicals and human biospecimens. Required laboratory and biosafety training will be provided through the Case Western Environmental Health and Safety office. Personal protective equipment, including lab coats, gloves, and goggles, is 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.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.