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 $22.13 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

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 limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3/ Study Coordinator will carry out activities of NIH funded grants. This position recruits research study participants, collects and processes clinical specimens, and performs cellular and molecular biology experiments. The research assistant will follow all policies and procedures to ensure the integrity and quality of the data. This is a part-time position (0.40 FTE; 16 hours per week).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate research activities and assist the research team with all aspects of study participant and site recruitment, consenting participants, retention, and qualitative and quantitative data collection/management. Provide technical assistance in basic laboratory techniques, processing clinical specimens, preparing reagents, calibrating devices¿,¿ and managing research documents in the lab. (30%)
2. Perform cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques such as qPCR and ELISA to collect data from the clinical specimens. Assist with processing and shipping clinical specimens. (30%)
3. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature, devise new protocols and techniques, moving projects forward independently when standard operational protocols or commercial kits are insufficient. (10%)
4. Assist with preparing and autoclaving reagents, and calibrating devices in the lab. Maintain and manage laboratory reagent, specimen and supply inventories, lab protocols and lab safety documents. May monitor laboratory budget. (10%)
5. Work closely with the principal investigator to manage day-to-day laboratory operations, ensure regulatory compliance (IRB), and monitor project milestones. Serve as the primary liaison between the principal investigator and the research team, providing routine data updates and adjusting project timelines based on the principal investigator's feedback. (10%)
6. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Critically assess the performance and sensitivity of current clinical sample processing techniques. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Monitor, recognize and report any lab safety issues to the supervisor. May supervise students and technicians. (<1%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with supervisor, department staff, and clinician to exchange information.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information and delivery of samples if needed.

External: Frequent contact with study participants, commercial vendors, and service facilities to exchange information.

Students: Regular contact with students and residents to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None. May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of technical experience in a laboratory environment and experience with dental patients in the context of research participant recruitment. 4 to 5 years of dental school training preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree in clinical science, immunology or related field required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Considerable knowledge and understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices and procedures within the field of clinical research.
2. Exceptional interviewing skills: ability to work with sensitive patient information and maintain confidentiality. Must demonstrate an understanding of human subject protection and diligently seek to promote such protection and follow all human subject regulations.
3. Capable of prioritizing tasks to meet goals and ensure proper completion of experiments.
4. Ability to communicate effectively. Must maintain harmonious and effective work relationships with research participants, fellow employees and the supervisor.
5. Ability to effectively interact with older adults. Must demonstrate patience, flexibility, compassion and cultural sensitivity while interacting with participant families.
6. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through.
7. Excellent communication skills. Must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from different disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds.
8. Effective problem-solving skills. Must demonstrate sound Judgement and good decision-making and be able to flexibly work to conform to shifting priorities and demands and high-pressure situations.
9. Ability to follow directions and standardized protocols and demonstrate diligence and dependability. Must demonstrate ability to receive and accept feedback from supervisors, put feedback into practice, and work both independently and cooperatively.
10. Knowledge of lab instruments, devices and computer programs to produce and analyze data.
11. Attention to detail and dexterity: Need to read and understand the scientific protocol and perform the experiments carefully without wasting resources. Need careful eye and dexterity to work with pipettes, small tubes, and delicate lab devices.
12. Ability to work collaboratively in a small lab team and exercise courtesy.
13. Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
14. Ability to demonstrate 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.
15. Ability to meet consistent department and university attendance standards.
16. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May involve handling chemicals, recombinant DNA, cell cultures, and laboratory instrumentation in accordance with institutional safety regulations. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

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.

.