Research Assistant 1 (Part time / 1 year Term)

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 $17.65 per hour.

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.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, perform research in the area of nephrology. This position will be part-time working approximately 20-25 hours per week (0.5 FTE). This is a one-year term position. The focus will be on ex vivo kidney physiology, testing new methods to improve renal function for transplant as part of a grant awarded by the Centers for Dialysis Care and University Hospitals-Cleveland Medical Center. Specific duties and responsibilities include collection of kidneys and other tissues (e.g. blood) from the local organ procurement organization; Execute benchtop perfusion studies using specialty-designed kidney pumps; conduct biochemical analysis and histologic assessments of renal biopsies; and provide assistance in related clinical studies as time permits.

Essential Functions

• Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Perform research work in the area of ex vivo kidney storage. Conduct analysis of renal biopsies and perfusion solutions including protein determinations and Western blot analysis, along with gas chromatography and other bench top analytic methods. (35%)
• Maintain records of experiments. Collate perfusion pump data and other results for comparative analysis before and after treatments and between treatment conditions. (25%)
• Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Become familiar with kidney storage pumping systems and perfusion solutions. (15%)
• Order laboratory supplies. Maintain an inventory of specialist supplies for the kidney perfusion system. As directed, collect rejected human kidneys from the organ procurement organization. (10%)
  
  
  

Nonessential Functions

• Assist other lab members in the collection of patient samples and data (5%)
• Participate in regular laboratory and research meetings (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned (5%)
  
  
  

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.

University: Weekly contact with faculty members of the Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine through structured seminars and lab meetings

External: Weekly contact with transplant specialists and organ recovery teams, Weekly contact with transplant surgeons

Students: Daily contact to exchange information, data, etc.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Potential to mentor a high school student during the summer months.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required. A recognized International Medical Doctor's degree is preferred.

Required Skills

• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the fields of nephrology and organ transplant.
• Ability to operate specialized kidney perfusion systems along with standard laboratory equipment including gas and liquid flow meters, chromatography devices, gel electrophoresis machines, scalpels and surgical scissors, pipettes.
• Familiarity with standard word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.
• Occasional patient interactions for collection of samples (no clinical care duties).
• 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.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standard laboratory conditions. Recognized hazards for working with human biologic samples. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coat, gloves and googles, may be required and provided to limit exposure to hazards. Some off-hour and evening work associated with collection of donor kidneys and tissue samples when they become available. Procedure specific training will be provided. No travel outside the greater Cleveland area.

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 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.