POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform research work and support scientists by doing electrophysiological experiments using the marine mollusk (sea slug) Aplysia californica. The research assistant will assist with maintenance of the aquaria housing the slugs. The research assistant will also collect, verify, record and compile data and information related to the ongoing research carried out in the lab. This position will work with sea slugs, which are invertebrate animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform animal dissection and surgery to set up semi-intact preparations, and use of electrophysiological equipment to stimulate and monitor neural activity. Apply controlled stimuli to the preparation (e.g., sensory stimuli) as well as measure force and other relevant physiological outputs. (25%)
2. Conduct analysis of samples. Synchronize video and neurophysiological data, identify spikes, determine their number and frequency, and perform any other analyses of the samples necessary to characterize responses. Apply appropriate statistical measure. Maintain this data in machine readable form and regularly back it up. (25%)
3. Record results for experiments. For each experiment, maintain a detailed record of the specific details of the slug (e.g., its mass and behavior), the treatments applied, and observations about the results. Maintain this meta-data in a machine readable form and regularly back it up. (20%)
4. Maintain equipment to do the electrophysiological recordings, force measurements, and other measurements. (20%)
5. Order relevant laboratory supplies. (7%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with supervisor and lab members to discuss research, determine the next experiments to be done, and plan for future experiments.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information and collaborate on projects. External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.
Students: Regular contact with student employees to explain policies and procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The research assistant will help direct and guide the research of undergraduate students in the laboratory.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Has knowledge of electrophysiology, both in terms of its general principles and practice using tools of electrophysiology (sharp glass microelectrodes, extracellular electrodes).
2. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
3. Must demonstrate compliance with Case Western Reserve University 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.
4. Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center's mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
5. Experience with animal surgery and microdissection.
6. Ability to operate electrophysiological equipment and to trouble-shoot it if necessary.
7. Ability to analyze samples using computer-based tools.
8. A serious and sustained work ethic with a commitment to high quality results and high productivity.
9. Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
10. Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.
11. Ability to maintain meticulous, complete and easily retrievable laboratory data.
12. Must have the ability to willingly learn new techniques and procedures as needed, follow established protocols or laboratory procedures and request clarification if necessary.
13. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee will work in laboratory in the department of Biology. Electrophysiological and biomechanical experiments will be carried out using ordinary personal protective equipment (i.e., a laboratory coat). If working under a laboratory hood to mix chemicals, gloves and goggles should be used. There are no unusual hazards associated with work in the laboratory. The employee should be able to lift loads up to 25 pounds, to be able to bend, stretch, stoop, crouch, push, pull and reach above shoulders, and may have to slide heavy carboys containing seawater, to be able to clean seawater spills, and to re-fill aquaria with seawater on a regular basis as part of maintaining the Aplysia animal facility. The employee will use repetitive motion, including the use of a keyboard and a computer mouse both while taking data at an electrophysiology rig and while analyzing samples.

Case Western Reserve University'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 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.

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.

.

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.

.