<p>Salary Grade</p> <p>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, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Job Description</p> <p>POSITION OBJECTIVE</p> <p>Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant will focus on integrating computational/molecular modeling, structure determination, and functional biochemical assays to understand fundamental biological processes and their dysregulation in disease states. The position involves studying telomere maintenance, post-translational modification signaling, and prostaglandin-mediated stem cell differentiation/tissue regeneration, with the ultimate goal of translating these mechanistic insights into therapeutic drug development. Key responsibilities include conducting advanced protein expression and purification studies, applying computational and structural biology approaches, participating in small molecule drug discovery efforts, and integrating cellular phenotype analysis with molecular-level findings.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS</p> <ul> <li>Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involves use of lab skills. This includes performing advanced protein expression and purification studies and conducting various structural and biochemical assays to study fundamental biological processes such as telomere maintenance, post-translational modification signaling, and prostaglandin-mediated stem cell differentiation/tissue regeneration. Assist lab staff with specialized experiments when needed. Conduct analysis of samples, The analysis involves examining protein and nucleic acid samples using various methods, including computational/molecular modeling, structure determination (e.g., using data from X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM), and integrating the results with functional biochemical assays and cellular phenotype analysis. (70%) </li><li>Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments and maintain records of experiments. This involves the essential practice of taking organized notes and keeping detailed records of all experimental data, procedures, and findings. This documentation ensures that results are accurately and comprehensively documented, typically by utilizing digital tools such as NotebookLM and similar digital notebooks. (9%) </li><li>Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments and order laboratory supplies. This involves ensuring that the essential resources for the lab are functional and available. It includes keeping all necessary equipment, such as HPLC/FPLCs, balances, and pH meters, in good working order, which entails overseeing the organization and cleanliness of shared common areas and instruments. Additionally, Manage inventory by monitoring stock and order supplies when needed to prevent disruptions. (6%) </li><li>Provide training and mentoring for new and rotating lab personnel. Expected to mentor summer and undergraduate students and to provide technical training (10%) </li></ul> <p>NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS</p> <p>Perform other duties as assigned, which includes but is not limited to, reviewing manuscripts and generating figures. (5%)</p> <p>CONTACTS</p> <p>Department: Daily contact with supervisor and lab personnel to discuss research and maintain workflow.</p> <p>University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information and to support collaborations and opportunities.</p> <p>External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.</p> <p>Students: Occasional contact with student employees to exchange information.</p> <p>SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY</p> <p>This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.</p> <p>QUALIFICATIONS</p> <p>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.</p> <p>REQUIRED SKILLS</p> <ul> <li>Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures needed for protein purification, biochemical, and biophysical assays. Preferable to have knowledge related to phosphatase and/or telomere biology. </li><li>Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. </li><li>Ability to operate laboratory equipment including HPLC/FPLCs, centrifuges, SDS-PAGE gels, Octet BLI, incubators/shakers, etc. </li><li>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. </li><li>Ability to meet consistent attendance. The position requires in-person appearance during typical office working hours. </li><li>Ability to interact and communicate with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face. </li><li>Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI). </li></ul> <p>WORKING CONDITIONS</p> <p>General laboratory environment. Position requires working with recombinant DNA and non-hazardous proteins/complexes. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coat, gloves and googles, may be required and provided to limit exposure to hazards.</p> <p>EEO Statement</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Reasonable Accommodations</p> <p>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.</p> <p>.</p>