Job ID 12381 Location Case Main Campus Full/Part Time Full-Time Regular/Temporary Regular Job Description POSITION OBJECTIVE Working under general supervision, the Research Assistant 2 will plan and carry out research work in the CASE Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory (CASE-BML) to advance new solutions in sickle cell anemia in-vitro diagnostics and blood cell biomechanics. The project involves working with a newly developed novel microfluidic assay that allows rapid, preprocessing free, and standardized interrogation of red blood cells and white blood cells. The project will include experiments aiming at the characterization of cellular adhesive events in sickle cell disease patients and correlate them to the patient's clinical state and response to treatment. The research assistant will be involved in planning the research studies and collection of patient samples and analysis of project data. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Plan and carry out research involving blood samples from human subjects, maintain laboratory reagents including buffers and medias, and study cellular adhesion in SCD blood samples. (30%) Conduct a series of experiments using a newly developed microfluidic assay that allows rapid, preprocessing free, and standardized interrogation of red blood cells and white blood cells. Also, conduct experiments aiming at the characterization of cellular adhesive events in sickle cell disease patients and correlate them to the patient's clinical state and response to treatment. (30%) Assist in developing methods for Hemoglobin testing. (10%) Collect and analyze data, create charts and slides from experimental data for purposes of reporting. (10%) Maintain the lab's microscopes and laser cutter and make sure repairs are reported and performed in a timely manner. (6%) Oversee inventory. Prepare solutions and buffers. Order reagents and other laboratory supplies. Maintain chemical/ biological inventory in compliance with Environmental Health & Safety, disposal of hazardous waste. (6%) Train new staff and undergraduate researchers on experimental protocols. (6%) NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Arrange communications and meetings with off-campus collaborators as needed (1%) Perform other duties as assigned. (1%) CONTACTS Department: Daily contact with supervisor for the purpose of discussing project related issues and regular meetings to discuss project progress. University: Occasional contact with other departments including School of Medicine, University Hospital (Clinical Core Lab, Seidman outpatient lab) for the purpose of collecting patient data and sending the samples for analysis using the gold standard methods. External: Frequent contact with external collaborators for the purpose of exchanging information and experimental protocols and regulations. Students: Frequent contact with graduate student researchers in the lab for the purpose of organizing sample collection and gold standard lab testing for their experiments. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITY This position has no direct supervision of staff employees. Train new staff; direct the work of students. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience: 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. Prefer strong background in Biology/Biochemistry and medical technology testing. REQUIRED SKILLS Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of biology/biochemistry and blood testing. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Conducts established experimental protocols and provides feedback for further improvement of the protocols. Ability to operate laboratory equipment. This includes the ability to operate adv