Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, coordinate major activities in a laboratory of drug discovery for orphans cancers. This position will involve preclinical assessment of small molecule inhibitors of pathways that are essential for tumor cell growth. This will require expertise in the use of in vitro cell based assays as well as murine models in sarcoma as well as uveal melanoma. The employee will be responsible for managing day to day operations of specific projects to advance our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumor cell growth and drug resistance in these diseases. The ultimate goal is to make laboratory discoveries in sarcoma and uveal melanoma that will result in new clinical trials. This bench-top to bedside (and back) approach is to advance the field of cancer medicine. In addition, the employee will be responsible for onboarding and training various undergraduate and MS students. Finally, the employee will assist with ordering and budgeting monthly lab supplies. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Coordinate major activities of laboratory/research. This involves conducting both in vitro and in vivo experiments, manage experimental tasks, and resolve questions and correct scientific errors. (27%)

• Provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. This will include managing issues of the scientific method including positive and negative controls, reproducibility, sample size estimate valuation, trends and troubleshooting, and refining techniques into standard operating procedures in the laboratory. Careful documentation and accountability are required. (25%)
• May supervise research assistants and technicians. This will specifically involves managing day to day training and operations of undergraduate and graduate students in the lab. (14%)
• Conduct complex and specific research techniques. Specific experimental techniques will include the ability to set up and conduct in vitro multi-plate proliferation assays to assay drug effects on cell growth, western blots from cell or tumor lysates to examine pathway activation and inhibition, RT-PCR to measure genomic expression at the transcription level, transfection experiments in vitro to examine the effect of gene suppression on cell growth, flow cytometry by FACs to examine apoptosis and cell cycle distribution following drug therapy, in vivo studies with tumor xenografts to examine the effects of drugs (IV, IP or oral) on tumor growth inhibition (6%)
• Teach and instruct others in experimental techniques (10%)
• Co-author research projects. This will include performing complex statistical analysis to be used in grant applications and manuscripts. Will also independently write progress reports to present to lab principal investigator. Co-author research projects with supervisor and support team. Provide input and recommendations to the principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects (6%)
• Assist in developing procedures, coordinate information with others as needed. This will involve managing and designing individual experiments, reporting these in a consistent fashion and in a timely manner. (6%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * May monitor laboratory budget and manage inventory. (3%)

• Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with supervisor (to provide weekly data updates, plan future experiments, and work on manuscripts and grants. Daily contact with coworkers to coordinate work activities.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information. This specifically involves Desai Lab collaborators to plan and discuss collaborative research.

External: Infrequent contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Frequent contact with student employees to provide training and guidance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Will supervise research assistants and technicians.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in science. MS degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS * Experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques including RT-PCR, flow cytometry and western blotting.

• Experience with sterile technique and cell culture.
• Ability to work collaboratively in studies requiring coordination between multiple investigators.
• 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\xe2\x80\x99s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
• Must be willing to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and computer gear to protect the health of the animals.
• Previous experience working with animals preferred.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. Employee will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens, chemicals, and radiation. Employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, coat, and eyewear. Working conditions will require working at the bench in a molecular genetics/ biology laboratory, working with mice and other animal models in the laboratory and in the animal facility, and when needed working outside standard working days or hours as required by the needs of a given experiment.

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\xe2\x80\x9d appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service \xe2\x80\x9cPolicy 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.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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COVID Vaccination

Case Western Reserve University has implemented a COVID Vaccination policy requiring evidence of COVID-19 vaccination for all students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence. Religious and medical exemptions may be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. For more information go to: https://case.edu/equity/covid-19-accommodations. Applicants may contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 /equity@case.edu for information regarding religious or medical exemptions as an accommodation.

Case Western Reserve University