Job ID 12461 Location Case Main Campus Full/Part Time Full-Time Regular/Temporary Regular Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE Working under limited supervision, the Research Assistant 3 will coordinate research work in immunology, cell biology and molecular biology-based projects to support research studies in the division of Infectious Diseases. The focus of the research study is to further develop novel therapeutic approaches to control inflammatory disorders while minimizing the risk of infections, and study host-pathogen interaction with the goal to develop new and improved treatment strategies that do not rely on administration of antibiotics (host-directed therapy). This position will work with animals. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Coordinate laboratory/research activities in accordance with general plans. Work with a team on coordination of in vitro and in vivo experiments to examine the role of CD40 in the regulation of inflammatory responses, as well as the regulation of molecular mechanisms involved in control of Toxoplasma gondii. (10%) Work closely with the principal investigator, meet daily to discuss planning of experiments, recent results, developments that may require a change in the experimental plan and monitoring of laboratory budget. (6%) Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. Studies include but are not limited to cell culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, transfections and immunoblots. Studies in animals include breeding of mice, intraperitoneal injections and organ collection. (40%) Collect and analyze data generated by real time PCR, flow cytometry and luciferase assays. This includes statistical analysis and generation of graphs that summarize the experimental results; and may result in co-authorship in research projects. (15%) Maintain laboratory records by keeping clear and organized notebooks, documenting procedures used and data generated. Maintain safety manuals, and protocols. (6%) Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training, such as protocols for isolation of primary mouse cells and detection of intracellular proteins by flow cytometry. Evaluate adequacy of existing laboratory techniques; study and test new procedures, and analyze data. (6%) Work with other members of the team to maintain certain equipment (liquid nitrogen tanks, cleaning of tissue culture incubators, freezers, refrigerators, water baths, microscopes and lab ware) and oversee inventory (ordering and procuring reagents, laboratory supplies and mice). Maintain chemical/biological inventory in compliance with Environmental Health and Safety. (6%) Train new staff. Supervise the work of undergraduate and graduate students and technicians. (7% ) NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Perform other duties as assigned. (4%) CONTACTS Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow. University: Daily contact with Animal Resource Center, other lab personnel and university employees to discuss research and maintain workflow. External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information. Students: Daily contact with graduate and undergraduate students working in the laboratory to exchange information. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY May supervise students and technicians. QUALIFICATIONS Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required. Strong expertise in tissue culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology, transfections and animal work. Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary. Education: Bachelor of Science degree required. REQUIRED SKILLS Expertise in tissue culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, immunoblot, breeding of mice and collection of mouse organs. Relies on instructions an