Case Western Reserve University
Position Objective
Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research activities on projects related to cardiac contractile function.
The research assistant will work closely with other lab members and focus on research involving the molecular biology of cardiac muscle contraction, performing a wide array of cellular and molecular biology experiments using gel electrophoresis, protein biochemistry, western blots, bacterial transformation and culture, high‑throughput small‑molecule screening, and other in vitro techniques.
The role will bridge the gap of understanding between structure and function in cardiac muscle physiology and will involve work with animals. Essential Functions
Work closely with the principal investigator to coordinate research activities that characterize the roles of myofilament contractile proteins in the regulation of cardiac muscle contraction, including muscle mechanics setup with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, and work with animal models and bacterial cells in the laboratory. (50%) Carry out general molecular biology, including design and implementation of cloning strategies, PCR, mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, gel purification, plasmid preparation, bacterial transformation, protein biochemistry, bacterial culture, western blotting, and expression and purification of recombinant proteins, and small‑molecule screening using myosin ATPase assays. (20%) Devise new protocols and techniques for protein purification and binding studies that require a high degree of skill and training. Carry out complex experiments to characterize binding properties of recombinant and native contractile proteins with various ligands using a variety of molecular and biochemical methods, including co‑sedimentation assays, isothermal calorimetry, microscale thermophoresis, etc. (10%) Evaluate adequacy of biochemical techniques, study and test new procedures, collect and analyze data, maintain lab records, provide feedback on experimental design, and prepare and present research results in lab meetings. (10%) Assist in manuscript preparation and editing, and may co‑author research projects. (6%) Non‑Essential Functions
May supervise students and technicians. (1%) Maintain equipment, prepare buffers/media/reagents, dispose of biohazardous waste, oversee inventory, standard operating procedures, and monitor laboratory budget. (2%) Perform other duties as assigned. (1%) Qualifications
Experience:
3 to 5 years of experience required. Experience with molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques such as cell culture, cloning, protein isolation, expression, and purification preferred. Education:
Bachelor’s degree in physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field 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 preferred. Able to perform various molecular biology techniques. Ability to follow instructions and pre‑established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision. Previous experience working with animals preferred. Must comply with Case Western Reserve University animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and 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. Strong organization skills, maintain a laboratory notebook, and attention to scientific detail. Ability to multi‑task, prioritize, 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. Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team. Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, and processes, and be a highly motivated self‑starter. Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines and respond to stressful situations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills. Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the university’s values and mission. Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow‑up. Ability to meet consistent attendance. Working Conditions
Working conditions will require bench work with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, animal models and bacterial cells, computer work, and exposure to research‑specific chemicals.
The employee will need Chemical Safety Training and will wear standard laboratory PPE as required. Equal Opportunity Employer
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. Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior Level Employment Type
Full‑time Job Function
Research
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Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research activities on projects related to cardiac contractile function.
The research assistant will work closely with other lab members and focus on research involving the molecular biology of cardiac muscle contraction, performing a wide array of cellular and molecular biology experiments using gel electrophoresis, protein biochemistry, western blots, bacterial transformation and culture, high‑throughput small‑molecule screening, and other in vitro techniques.
The role will bridge the gap of understanding between structure and function in cardiac muscle physiology and will involve work with animals. Essential Functions
Work closely with the principal investigator to coordinate research activities that characterize the roles of myofilament contractile proteins in the regulation of cardiac muscle contraction, including muscle mechanics setup with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, and work with animal models and bacterial cells in the laboratory. (50%) Carry out general molecular biology, including design and implementation of cloning strategies, PCR, mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, gel purification, plasmid preparation, bacterial transformation, protein biochemistry, bacterial culture, western blotting, and expression and purification of recombinant proteins, and small‑molecule screening using myosin ATPase assays. (20%) Devise new protocols and techniques for protein purification and binding studies that require a high degree of skill and training. Carry out complex experiments to characterize binding properties of recombinant and native contractile proteins with various ligands using a variety of molecular and biochemical methods, including co‑sedimentation assays, isothermal calorimetry, microscale thermophoresis, etc. (10%) Evaluate adequacy of biochemical techniques, study and test new procedures, collect and analyze data, maintain lab records, provide feedback on experimental design, and prepare and present research results in lab meetings. (10%) Assist in manuscript preparation and editing, and may co‑author research projects. (6%) Non‑Essential Functions
May supervise students and technicians. (1%) Maintain equipment, prepare buffers/media/reagents, dispose of biohazardous waste, oversee inventory, standard operating procedures, and monitor laboratory budget. (2%) Perform other duties as assigned. (1%) Qualifications
Experience:
3 to 5 years of experience required. Experience with molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques such as cell culture, cloning, protein isolation, expression, and purification preferred. Education:
Bachelor’s degree in physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field 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 preferred. Able to perform various molecular biology techniques. Ability to follow instructions and pre‑established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision. Previous experience working with animals preferred. Must comply with Case Western Reserve University animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and 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. Strong organization skills, maintain a laboratory notebook, and attention to scientific detail. Ability to multi‑task, prioritize, 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. Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team. Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, and processes, and be a highly motivated self‑starter. Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines and respond to stressful situations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills. Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the university’s values and mission. Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow‑up. Ability to meet consistent attendance. Working Conditions
Working conditions will require bench work with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, animal models and bacterial cells, computer work, and exposure to research‑specific chemicals.
The employee will need Chemical Safety Training and will wear standard laboratory PPE as required. Equal Opportunity Employer
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. Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior Level Employment Type
Full‑time Job Function
Research
#J-18808-Ljbffr