Graduate research assistant jobs in Akron, OH

Salary Grade 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. Job Description Position Objective Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research project in accordance with general research guidelines. The responsibilities include planning and performing experiments on projects related to cardiac contractile function. The research assistant will work closely with other lab members and focus on research involving molecular biology of cardiac muscle contraction. This position will perform a wide array of cellular and molecular biology experiments using gel electrophoresis, western blots, bacterial transformation and culture, and other in vitro techniques. The research assistant will use various molecular and computational methods to bridge the gap of understanding between structure and experimental observations in cardiac muscle physiology. This position will work with animals. Essential Functions * Plan and carry out research projects that characterize the roles of myofilament contractile proteins in the regulation of cardiac muscle contraction. (6%) * Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Plan, carry out, quantify, and analyze data from general molecular biology experiments, including design and implement cloning strategies, PCR analysis, mutagenesis, expression levels of cardiac proteins by various gel electrophoresis techniques and western blotting, gel purification, plasmid preparation, bacterial transformation, bacterial culture in order to express highly purified recombinant proteins for biophysical experiments. (35%) * Plan, carry out, quantify, collect, and analyze data from mechanical experiments in isolated cardiac and skeletal muscle preparations. (35%) * May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures related to immunostaining of whole heart sections, isolated muscle fibers, and myofibrils. (10%) * Prepare and present research results in lab meetings. (9%) NonEssential Functions * Maintain equipment, prepare buffer/media/reagents, and dispose biohazardous waste. (2%) * Maintain lab records. Oversee inventory and standard operating procedures. (2%) * Perform other duties as assigned. (1%) CONTACTS Department: Weekly contact with investigators to discuss research, research education, direction, goals and time management. Frequent contact with laboratory employees in collaboration in common research project. University: Occasional interaction with other faculty in the department and the university to provide updates on common collaborative research projects. Utilize core university facilities for experimentation and maintain strong relationship with core mangers for research collaborations. External: Occasional communication with research collaborators from other institutions. Students: Occasional contact with students to assist students with their research projects. Supervisory Responsibility No direct supervisory responsibilities. Train new staff and direct the work of students. QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor's degree in physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related scientific field 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 * Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in chemistry, physics, biochemistry and molecular/cellular biology and in vivo cardiovascular function. * Experience with computer programming and molecular dynamic simulation is preferred. * Previous experience working with animals preferred. * 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. * 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. * Able to perform various molecular biology techniques. * Prior experience with cell culture and protein expression/purification. * Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision. * Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail. * Ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines. * Ability to effectively operate basic molecular and cellular biology laboratory equipment * Ability to problem-solve effectively and assist in the development and implementation of alternative solutions as needed. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making. * Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively within a team. * Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc. Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. * Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations. * 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. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face. * Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed. * Ability to meet consistent attendance. Working Conditions Working conditions will require working on a muscle mechanics setup, working on a bench with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, working with animal models/and bacterial cells in the laboratory, working in front of a computer for several hours, working outside standard working days or hours as required. The employee will work with frequent interruptions and distractions. May have exposure to hazards. There may be exposure to research specific chemicals and the employee will need to take Chemical Safety Training. Required personal protective equipment may include a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. 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 to 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. EEO Statement 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. Reasonable Accommodations 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 ************ to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis. .