POSITION OBJECTIVE

While working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research on the effects of dietary fructose on hormonal regulation of transport processes in renal proximal tubules. The objective of this research is to understand the molecular mechanisms and cell signaling pathways altered by dietary fructose that lead to salt-sensitive hypertension. This position will work with animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Independently perform rat and mouse vascular surgery including cannulation, after instruction as required by experimental protocols. This requires anesthetizing the rat or mouse, and will be a non-survival surgery. (20%)
2. Plan and carry out Western blots for proteases expressed and secreted into the urine by proximal tubules. This will require either performing nephrectomy on anesthetized rats and collecting renal cortical tissue or collecting urine from rats in metabolic cages. For urinary protease excretion, rats will be housed in metabolic cages and urine collected for 24 hours. (10%)
3. Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Perform measurements of fluid transport on isolated renal tubules. Nephrectomy will be performed and single proximal tubules will be dissected by hand under a microscope. The tubule will be perfused on an array of glass pipets on an inverted microscope. Tubules will be perfused with a solution containing FITC-inulin. Fluid collected from the distal end of the tubule will be assayed for FITC-inulin concentration. Fluid transport will be calculated from the values of FITC-inulin concentration in perfused and collected fluids. (20%)
4. Measure the activity of intracellular signaling cascades in real time using fluorescent probes in isolated nephron segments. Measure the activity of signaling cascades using biochemical techniques. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures. (20%)
5. Collect, analyze and evaluate experimental data. Raw data collected from experiments will be reduced to the appropriate values by normalization for either mg protein, tubule length or other such parameters. Differences between either rats fed different diets or different acute treatments will be analyzed for significance using appropriate statistical methods. These may include paired or unpaired T-test and analysis of variance. The choice of method testing for statistical significance will be in consultation with the supervisor. (10%)
6. Maintain an appropriate laboratory notebook. (10%)
7. Oversee inventory, order laboratory supplies as required. (7%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with principal investigators to discuss research progress, research direction, goals and time management two to three times per week. Daily contact with laboratory employees when conducting collaborative research projects.

University: None

External: None

Students: Intermittent contact with laboratory student employees when collaborating on common research projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting with similar responsibilities required including vascular surgery on mice and rats or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required. Master's degree in Physiology is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Experience in rat and mouse vascular surgery including cannulation.
2. Prior experience generating renal tubular suspensions from rats and mice using retrograde renal perfusion with collagenase digestion and centrifugation.
3. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in chemistry, physics, biochemistry and biology.
7. Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.
8. Effective verbal and writing communication skills.
9. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face. Good interpersonal skills; ability to work with various individuals within the laboratory.
10. Exceptional organization skills.
11. Ability to work independently.
12. Ability to meet consistent attendance requirements.
13. Ability to work in a changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines.
14. Ability to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
15. Must be able to complete all training requirements as set by appropriate regulatory agencies. This includes, but is not limited to: Case Western Reserve University animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures; the Animal Welfare Act; Public Health Service Policy; AAALAC guidelines; and other regulatory guidelines. Must be able to complete training on general laboratory safety, radiation safety, biohazards and laser safety.
16. Experience in operating standard laboratory equipment.
17. Ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines without supervision.
18. Understanding of standard microscopy techniques.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Laboratory is located in a designated space within the School of Medicine. There are frequent interruptions and distractions. There is exposure to research specific chemicals and appropriate laboratory apparel is required including lab coat, closed-toe shoes, gloves, goggles and apron, to limit exposure to hazards.

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.

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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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