Research Assistant 3, #9621
Case Western Reserve University

Job Info

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POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research assignments that involve performing routine assays, development of new assays, and help to develop algorithms to store the data, and run quality controls as needed. This position will require working closely with the PI to conduct research studies on SARS-CoV-2. The research lab studies human malaria parasites, parasitic worms, and SARS-CoV-2. This position will primarily involve research on SARS-CoV-2 but helping with our malaria studies. The studies on SARS-CoV-2 intend to determine the factors that regulate the type of antibody responses infected individuals develop to the virus, how long these antibodies persist, and whether they are associated with protection from re-infection or disease. The malaria research projects are to understand the molecular interaction of how malaria parasites invade human erythrocytes with the aim to develop effective malaria vaccines therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate research activities focusing on developing and executing assays for characterizing of antibodies responses for SARS-CoV-2. Design PCR and multiplex assays, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunoassays, and Surface plasmon resonance. Cell culture of pseudo-virus or malaria parasites. (40%)
2. Work closely with the principal investigator, including the design of new functional assays to measure human antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 that include viral neutralization assays and measure of frequencies of antigen-specific B cells. (22%)
3. Carry out complex research assignments, including cloning and sequencing genes. Perform genetic manipulation of human, SARS-CoV-2 and malaria genes such as site directed mutagenesis, gene knockouts, and design gene synthesis, and to construct human monoclonal antibodies. (10%)
4. Devise new protocols and techniques to measure antibody responses to SARS CoV2 and malaria. (10%)
5. Evaluate adequacy of techniques such as serological assay for SARS CoV2 and malaria. Perform analysis of data (serological and sequence data). Maintain experimental records on all activities, protocols, data, etc. (6%).
6. May supervise students and technicians. Train new staff; supervise students in bench skills, and contributions to large-scale research projects. (6%)
7. Help monitor the laboratory budget. Record expenses incurred and help to order necessary reagents. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent (several times a week) contact with principal investigator to discuss updates, results, ideas, and questions. The Research Assistant 3 will contribute to a much larger and highly technical research project, as part of a collaborative effort. Frequent communication and guidance with other staff in laboratory are expected.

University: Weekly contact with other departments to stay connected and aware of current research.

External: Contact with vendors as needed to purchase necessary supplies.

Students: Daily contact with students and junior lab staff for training, supervision, and mentorship.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. May train staff and supervise students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience.

Education: Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, immunology or a related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Must be hard-working, flexible, quick thinking, organized, communicative, able to multitask, able to learn the research, take initiative, work with many different people from different countries and backgrounds, able to keep up with a demanding, but positive and interactive work environment.
2. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology or be able to derive information from background reading and lab meetings and learn quickly. Prefer some background in malaria parasite culture, tissue culture, and ELISA assays.
3. Ability to rely on instructions, pre-established guidelines, and protocols to perform the functions of the job. If a protocol is not provided, a person must be able to research, understand, and troubleshoot protocols with some degree of independence.
4. Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
5. Experience in data analysis and navigating various analysis software systems is a plus.
6. Communicate effectively. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customer face to face.
7. Ability to remain flexible while working under pressure.
8. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The laboratory environment is categorized biosafety level 2. We work with malaria, E.coli, and SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses (not live), human cell culture. We only use samples from Covid-19 patients that have been appropriate inactivated if collected from individuals presenting with acute disease before they can be used in our laboratory. Formaldehyde is kept and used infrequently. We have an appointed safety officer who trains all lab members on all necessary information and precautions. Additionally, there is a mandatory training in lab safety and blood borne pathogens issued by Case Western Reserve University. May lift up to 24 lbs.

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