Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work in neuroscience on how brainstem circuits control breathing. The research assistant will learn to use cutting-edge electrophysiology and data science techniques to support on-going research projects using an in vitro preparation. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Perform in vitro multi-electrode array experiments and maintain records of experiments. With initial close supervision and training, learn to independently perform in vitro rodent electrophysiologic experiments to record the breathing motor pattern and ensemble recordings of respiratory neurons in the brainstem. Record results for experiments, maintain detailed and accurate records of experimental conditions in collected datasets. (50%)
Perform tissue collection, cryosectioning and histology for electrophysiologic experiments. Perfuse and collect brainstem tissue from in vitro experiments, cryosection collected tissue and counterstain to localize recording sites or injection sites. Conduct analysis of samples. Prepare figures for presentation and publication using MATLAB and Python. (40%)  
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Animal husbandry: assist in breeding rodents for experiments. (5%)
Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Order laboratory supplies. (4%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
 

CONTACTS 

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow. Daily contact with other lab personnel. Moderate contact with faculty and staff of the Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine to exchange information.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information. Frequent contact with faculty and staff in other departments, especially collaborating labs. Frequent contact with university personnel to order supplies, order animals, complete any university required paperwork pertaining to this position. 

External: Occasional contact with research collaborators to share data or results produced in the lab. 

Students: Daily contact with undergraduate and graduate students working in the lab or a collaborator¿s lab to share ideas, information, and skills. Daily contact with student employees to exchange information.

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 and 0 to 2 years of experience required.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within neuroscience and molecular biology. 
Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures and computer programs as needed.
Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, able to multi-task, take initiative, start and complete projects. Must be able to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds.
Previous experience working with animals is preferred. 
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB is preferred.
Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center¿s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve 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.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
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 CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to hazards. The employee will work with animals and be exposed to chemicals. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. The employee must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

Case Western Reserve University¿s animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is 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 with the School of Medicine 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.