Research Associate I (Laboratory Research)
Case Western Reserve University: SCHOOL OF MEDICINE: School of Medicine - Main Campus: Nutrition
Location: BRB 9th Floor
Open Date: Mar 18, 2024
Description:
Date: March 2024
Department: Nutrition
School: Medicine
Location: Biomedical Research Building (BRB)
Supervisor Name and Title: Peder Lund, PhD, Assistant Professor
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Lund Lab focuses on understanding how the gut microbiota interacts with the intestinal epithelium to promote tissue homeostasis and how these interactions become altered in pathological states, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Research Associate I will execute research projects with the aim of investigating how small molecule metabolites produced by the microbiota under the influence of host diet serve as precursor substrates and receptor ligands to regulate metabolism and gene expression in epithelial cells. Under the guidance of the PI, the Research Associate I is expected to work independently, design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, supervise students, manage animal models, and carry out research activities of assigned projects through completion. The Research Associate I will utilize various techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology as described below. This position will work with animals. The Research Associate I will keep the PI informed of progress on research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design. The Research Associate I will also present data and findings at lab and scientific meetings, prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Plan and execute experiments for research projects designed by the principal investigator and may design ex periments independently and in collaboration with the PI. Studies involve, but are not limited to, cell and organoid culture, bacterial culture, mouse experiments, PCR/qPCR, transfection and lentivirus-mediated transduction of nucleic acids, Western blotting, isolation of biological molecules (DNA, RNA, protein, metabolites) from cells and tissues, tissue histology, stable isotope tracing by LC-MS/MS, and luciferase assays. Experiments may also involve immunofluorescence, NGS for transcriptomics, genomics, and 16S-based microbial community profiling, flow cytometry, and bacterial culture. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. (65%)
2. Assist with experiments performed by other lab members as directed by the PI. (5%)
3. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students. 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. (10%)
4. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings, scientific meetings, and seminars. Prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. (5%)
5. 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 lab members. (10%)
6. Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents. (5%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1.Perform other duties as assigned.
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration on research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed
University: Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular 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 student employees working in the lab
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No direct supervisory responsibilities. Will train and provide oversight to lab staff and students.
REQUIRED SKILLS
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic techniques in biochemistry and cell and molecular biology (cell culture, DNA preparation, PCR, cloning, immunoblotting, etc).
• Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills as evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.
• Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.
• Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
• Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.
• Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed, such as GraphPad Prism and R. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU 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 CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
• Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
• Previous experience working with mice preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work will be performed in a research laboratory environment, which could entail exposure to chemical and biological hazards. Certain experiments or animal care may require occasional work on early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends.
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 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.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: PhD, MD, or DVM in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, or a related field and 0-3 years of additional post-graduate experience required -OR- Master's degree and a minimum of 5 years of related experience required.
The candidate is expected to have strong reasoning, analytical, and communication (both oral and written) skills as evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings.