Job ID 12555 Location Case Main Campus Full/Part Time Full-Time Regular/Temporary Regular Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE Working under general supervision and according to specific instruction, the Senior Research Assistant 1 will perform research work to support human biomarker studies in an NIH-funded laboratory housed within the School of Nursing. Studies are generally focused on the use of large-scale omics, automated high-throughput screening, advanced molecular biology techniques, and machine learning-based analysis to identify blood biomarkers and develop molecular diagnostics that could be used for management of acute brain injury. The research assistant will predominately support an assay development project which aims to establish a set of cell free RNA-based diagnostic tests, one for the clinical laboratory, and one for the point-of-care, that could be used to rapidly identify stroke in emergency medicine settings. The research assistant will help maintain a biorepository of human specimens and perform various molecular biology tasks such as DNA/RNA isolation, conventional/quantitative/digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and bacterial cloning as part of the larger overall project. This position will also order supplies, help maintain the laboratory space and equipment, and work to ensure/document regulatory compliance. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Maintain inventory for a biorepository human biological specimens. Coordinate shipping and receiving of biological specimens. (10%) Carry out molecular biology tasks or experiments according to specific instructions to supply scientific information or generate materials as part of the larger project. Such functions include but are not limited to isolating nucleic acids from human biofluids to prepare samples for downstream use in experiments; measuring DNA and RNA in human biofluids using various nucleic acid amplification techniques such as quantitative PCR, digital PCR, and Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP); using conventional PCR, bacterial cloning, and in vitro transcription to generate synthetic RNA standards for use in prototype diagnostic tests. (40%) Collaborate with senior laboratory staff to make suggestions on improving techniques, methods, or procedures. Notably this includes assisting with the technical development and troubleshooting of prototype diagnostic tests. (10%) Compile and analyze data. Record results of experiments and maintain records of experiments in a detailed electronic laboratory notebook. (15%) Maintain laboratory cleanliness and maintain test equipment utilized in experiments. Document compliance with relevant State, Federal, and Institutional safety, and biosafety regulations. Order laboratory supplies and equipment. (15%) Train graduate students or new staff with respect to laboratory standard operating procedures and assist with student projects as needed. (6%) NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS Perform other duties as assigned. (4%) CONTACTS Department: Weekly contact with supervisor to discuss project progress. Daily contact with senior laboratory staff and other lab members to discuss projects to maintain and coordinate workflows. University: Occasional contact with collaborative investigators to coordinate transfer of data or specimens. External: Occasional contact with vendors to exchange information. Students: Regular contact with student employees. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train graduate students or new staff with respect to laboratory standard operating procedures. QUALIFICATIONS Education and experience: Bachelor's degree and 6 months of related experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 1 year of experience. REQUIRED SKILLS Strong theoretical and experiential u