POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a high degree of independence with general direction, the Research Assistant 4 will coordinate major activities that focus on lung cancer evolution and drug resistance ¿ serving as an experimental Lab Manager. This position will manage key lab equipment and materials, organize and develop lab protocols and operating procedures, and utilize a variety of experimental procedures ranging from in vitro molecular biology to in vivo mouse modeling. In addition, the research assistant will manage the mouse colony, including all IACUC original protocol submissions and amendments, and manage all IBC agents. With close coordination alongside the principal investigator/supervisor, the lab manager will also facilitate integrative science across the group. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform high-level complex quantitative analytical procedures and experimental analyses; interpret data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and provide input and recommendations to the principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects and next steps. Produce summary reports for the research team. (20%)
2. Coordinate major activities of research in accordance with plans; including management of key experimental resources, ensuring fidelity and proper use. Define standard lab operating procedures and protocol guidelines in tandem with the principal investigator for all lab members. Identify problems and inconsistencies in lab data. (20%)
3. Procure lab reagents and manage lab budget with the principal investigator. (10%) 
4. Supervise research assistants, undergraduates and graduate students in any aspect of their research project(s). Assure standard lab operating procedures are followed for all studies. (10%) 
5. Co-author research projects, draft results and methods, figure design and graphing, editing, and facilitation of peer review. (10%)
6. Perform the most complex research assignments using mice, and human or murine non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. This includes the generation of novel high-diversity viral vector pools, handling of in vivo animal experiments, dissection and tissue handling, histopathology prep and selection of reagents, NGS library preparation and QC, and integration with Case Western Reserve University core services and commercial vendors. (10%) 
7. Teach or instruct team members on research techniques required for in vitro and in vivo studies as well as data analysis. This specifically includes all in vivo mouse work, in vitro tissue culture, non-routine PCR, gel electrophoresis, preparation of NGS libraries. (10%) 

8. Assist in developing new technical procedures by researching previous publications, speaking with colleagues that are familiar with the technique and consulting online materials. When new procedure protocol is developed, distribute that information with others in the lab as needed. (10%)

    

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Perform other duties as assigned. Will have opportunities to work at the interface of experiential and computational biology, including deployment of establish analysis pipelines of NGS data for validation of proper library prep and downstream statistical analysis. (<1%)

CONTACTS 

Department: Daily contact with supervisor and lab mates in management of the laboratory.

University: Occasional contact with other departments to exchange information.

External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information.

Students: Regular contact with student employees regarding research techniques.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

Supervise research assistants, technicians, undergraduates and graduate students when needed. Supervise anyone in the lab that is performing mouse work. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience: 5 to