Research Assistant 4

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence under general direction, the Research Assistant 4 will coordinate major activities related technical and research areas to work on drugging transcription through the lens of epigenetics in the 3D genome, using a combination of biochemical, cell biology, epigenetic and bioinformatic approaches. These approaches will be applied largely in the context of cancer. The research assistant will present data at departmental seminars and national/international scientific meetings, prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. The research assistant will devote time every week to read the emerging scientific literature surrounding epigenetics, chromatin regulation, chemical biology, cancer biology, 3D genomics and nuclear condensate dynamics. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide input and recommendations to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Perform research work in the lab, including molecular biology techniques, plasmid construction and cloning, PCR/RT-PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, western blotting, ChIP-seq, HiChIP, RD-SPRITE, ChRO-seq, library construction, cell culture, cell line engineering, and lentiviral work. (40%)
2. Assist in developing procedures in 3D mapping for the epigenome and genome. Coordinate information with others as needed. Read, present and discuss new scientific literature in the field of chromatin biology and chemical control of transcription. Co-author research projects and grants, protocol/methods publications, and primary research articles. (30%)
3. Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures using a combination of biochemical, cell biology, epigenetic and bioinformatic approaches. (10%)
4. Coordinate major activities of laboratory; researching liquid-liquid phase separation properties of nuclear clusters. Teach or instruct others in research techniques such as but not limited to PCR/RT-PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, western blotting, ChIP-seq. Oversee administrative organization of the laboratory. May supervise research assistants, technicians, students, and volunteers. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Oversee inventory of laboratory supplies related to the project, ensure order placements one week in advance of running out of key reagents. Manage laboratory reimbursements and ordering reconciliation when necessary. Oversee maintenance of equipment utilized in experiments, such as microscopes for imaging. (4%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact, meet students in the lab in person to discuss research projects. Weekly contact with principal investigator to discuss results and design next steps, coordinate lab related meetings, budget and lab organization, etc.

University: Occasional contact with other departments on Case Western Reserve University campus to share information.

External: Occasional contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Weekly contact with student employees regarding research projects as needs arise.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise incoming and departing researchers (all levels) and technicians, for appropriate orientation to the culture, expectations, procedures, and required training models.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 to 8 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in science required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Experience with cell culture.
2. Experience with biochemical techniques to interrogate proteins and protein-genome interactions, such as immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-seq, HiChIP), RD-SPRITE, and nascent RNA measurements with ChRO-seq.
3. Experience with preparing barcoded libraries of DNA/RNA.
4. Proficient with Google sheets and Excel, basic familiarity with command line and R scripting is a bonus. experiment
5. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
6. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
7. Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
8. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
9. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General laboratory environment. May have exposure to formaldehyde, when fixing cells, and for this a fume hood is provided for safety protection. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposture to hazards.

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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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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