Case Western Reserve University · 2 days ago
Research Assistant 2
Cleveland, OH
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
$19.41/hr - $19.41/hr
1+ years expCase Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position. The Research Assistant 2 will support laboratory/research activities for the National Prion Surveillance Lab dedicated to diagnostic and research work on prion diseases, including processing clinical/research samples and conducting experiments.
E-LearningEducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Under general supervision Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans. Prepare and process histology slides for autopsy surveillance brain and clinical brain biopsy specimens by performing staining, both manually and automated [immunohistochemical, H&E and other specialized staining]. Oversee inventory, maintain stock and solutions, monitor instrument performance, and maintain cleanliness and order of the lab. May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures and histology lab procedures and policies as part of process improvements and updated procedures as required by regulatory standards. Perform quality control (QC) on finished slide preparations and maintain required quality control documentation for samples and instrument operations. Maintain and troubleshoot equipment operation failures. Assist in processing research requests from internal and external clients. Consult with NPDPSC management and directors of the division on projects as assigned. (45%)
Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. Accession samples accurately in a BSL2 lab, utilizing standard precautions. Handle specimens, including potentially prion infected samples, and evaluate them for testing viability in a timely manner based on the NPDPSC test directory. Collect and analyze data. Match received specimen paperwork with coordinating specimen label(s) for accuracy. Effectively utilize an LIS system for receiving clinical samples. Identify and report discrepancies immediately to the appropriate supervisor. Contact clients regarding specimen condition, missing information, or final reports. Handle specimen verification calls to the sender or referring physician to verify how the sample was treated and any other knowledge deemed necessary. (20%)
Digital pathology management: under general supervision, design and implement a working protocol for the digital scanner, including operational workflow, quality control, and file management. Develop maintenance procedures and draft training documentation. Establish a digital sharing and archival system to foster collaboration with external physicians and researchers. (20%)
Responsible for sharing surveillance data entry duties. Input information into LabMatrix database, including all correspondence, clinical assessments, and clinical/family history. Link relevant documents and perform secondary data review. (10%)
Assist in training new staff in the pre-analytical area, and the histology laboratory. May direct the work of students when necessary
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience required
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the biotechnology/ pathology field
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job
Ability to operate laboratory equipment
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
Ability to meet consistent attendance
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face
Must be extremely well organized and capable of setting priorities while maintaining consistent attention to accuracy and quality. Must possess effective time-management skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines
Must show great transparency in work and be able to create SOPs as necessary for work functions and protocols. Must keep exceptionally accurate and easily retrievable records
Must be motivated to explore and learn new laboratory techniques and must be able to teach laboratory techniques to other technicians
Punctuality and the ability to meet consistent attendance is required. This position is considered essential and as such, employees are expected to report to work when the campus is closed [under specific CWRU guidelines] so as not to interrupt activities related to patient care
Ability to operate essential laboratory equipment [tissue processor, embedding station, automated stainer], including troubleshooting operation failures
Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, School and University, and with individuals outside the University
Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain patient confidentiality. Must abide by regulations from Federal and other regulatory agencies and perform annual training
Must participate in NDPSC continuing education requirements and successfully perform competency assessments and proficiency testing
Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and good decision-making
Must abide by all CWRU and NPDPSC laboratory safety standards and meet training requirements
Benefits
Excellent healthcare
Retirement plans
Tuition assistance
Paid time off
Winter recess
Company
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is among the nation's leading research institutions.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Case Western Reserve University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (101)
2024 (103)
2023 (114)
2022 (123)
2021 (86)
2020 (134)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.17M2015-10-12Grant· $1.17M
Leadership Team
Caden Kacmarynski
Co-Founder and President - Case Quantum Computing
Christine Kush
Associate Dean, Corporate Partnerships and Executive Education
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