Research Associate

Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Under the guidance of the PI, the Research Associate (RA) is expected to work independently, design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, supervise students, manage animal models, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion. The RA will utilize standard cell biology, cancer biology and flow cytometry methodologies and techniques. The Research Associate will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design. The Research Associate will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.     Independently and with the PI, design, plan, and execute research projects with the aim of cancer immunotherapy. Perform analysis of cell viability, flow cytometry, western blotting, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, as well as in vivo studies using animals. The RA will maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis (60%).

2.     With the principal investigator, establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet regularly with the principal investigator to review and set priorities, staff/student-related issues, and future research staff and planning. Provide scientific oversight of all research projects, including data collection and maintenance (10%).

3.     Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other members. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings. The RA will help to prepare manuscripts. (10%).

4.     Coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate trainings for lab members with the EHS and others, as needed (10%).

5.     Ensure the PI is informed about the results of lab members, and ensure the PI’s experimental strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the RA (10%).

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.     Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with the Animal Resource Center, contact with other departments as needed.        

External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed

Students: Undergraduate and graduate students, medical residents, clinical fellows and other employees working in the lab.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise & provide guidance to laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. Direct supervisory responsibility includes the authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward or discipline subordinate employees or effectively recommend such actions. In collaboration and under the guidance of the PI. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Animal research only: Case'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 SOM Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health