Research Assistant 2, Zebrafish Lab
Date: 12/18/2015
Title: Research Assistant 2, Zebrafish Lab
Organization: Case Western Reserve University
State, City: Cleveland, Ohio
Department: Otolaryngology
School: School of Medicine
Location: Wearn SB
Supervisor Name and Title: Dr. Brian McDermott, Assoc. Professor
Contact: bmm30@case.edu
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will be responsible for many aspects of the Zebrafish facility’s upkeep. This position will be responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance, along with running Crispr knockout experiments and contributing to research projects for the users of the facility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Conduct basic operations of the zebrafish facility (stock and maintain lab and equipment, organize lab, maintain fish database, ordering, participate in feeding & cleaning, etc.)
2. Plan and carry out experiments and projects in accordance to users’ research plans.
3. Conduct experiments, including Crispr knock out, and collect and analyze data; present data at lab meetings.
4. Perform other techniques such as subcloning, confocal microscopy, and in situ hybridization, etc.
5. Teach or instruct others in basic research and zebrafish techniques
6. Assist in developing procedures, coordinate information with others as needed
7. Contribute to research projects by performing experiments and adding ideas.
8. Maintain mouse and chick colony; this includes animal husbandry and genotyping.
9. Maintain plasmids, primers, cell lines of the lab in a book and database .
10. Perform other duties such as maintenance of chemical hygiene plan and inventory, etc.
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Perform other duties as assigned.
2. Respond to phone calls.
3. Respond to fish facility emergencies at all times (coordinated with other students and technicians.)
4. Feed fish and do experiments on weekend when necessary.
CONTACTS:
Department: Frequent contact with the PI and other departmental members and members of other departments.
University: Regular contact with facility users including PI’s and research staff; contact with the Animal Resource Center as needed.
External: Regular contact with supply vendors
Students: Frequent contact with students working in the lab and facility.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No supervisor responsibilities. May supervise students using the lab.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience.
REQUIRED SKILLS (Update using the Animal Research Job Description Template)
1. Knowledge and understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of molecular biology
2. Ability to perform genotyping, microscopy, animal-related work, molecular biology, subcloning, etc_______ 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.
3. 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.
4. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
5. Knowledge and understanding of/Working knowledge of/Demonstrated ability to neuroscience or genetics preferred.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, School and University, and with individuals outside the University.
7. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
8. Excellent customer service skills; ability to maintain effective working relationships and address the potential and current needs of customers.
9. Ability train and effectively relay information to others.
10. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
11. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
12. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making.
13. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.
14. Willingness and ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
15. Ability to operate laboratory equipment and work in zebrafish facility, and lift fish tanks and change filters.
16. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.
17. Must demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer programs as needed.
18. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position will work in a lab environment with the possibility of occasional weekend responsibilities.
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.