Research Scientist

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Research Scientist will oversee research projects within the lab, providing scientific oversight, guidance to lab members, and lab management in the absence of the principal investigator. The Research Scientist will design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, oversee/supervise staff and students, manage animal models, and fully execute research projects. The Research Scientist will utilize molecular biology techniques (AAV and lentivirus and plasmids), behavioral testing, transcript profiling techniques (qRT-PCR and single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics), and cell culture techniques (including mouse primary culture and human iPSC/ESC), and imaging techniques (confocal, two photon, implanted mini-microscope). The Research Scientist will keep the PI informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design and project plans. The Research Scientist will independently prepare first drafts of manuscripts. It is expected that the Research Scientist will apply for grant funding as a Principal Investigator in this area of interest and maintain independent research though submission of subsequent grant applications an needed

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide scientific oversight of all research projects, including data collection and maintenance. Establish and manage the day-to-day priorities of the research staff. 10%

• Work with the principal investigator to establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet regularly with the principal investigator to review and set priorities, staff/student-related issues, and future research staff and planning. 5%

• With the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects with the aim of gaining mechanistic insight into neurologic diseases and development of lead molecules to treat the neurologic diseases. Projects will include MAPK8IP3 neurodevelopmental disease, genetic and immune autism spectrum disorders, autoimmune circuit diseases (obesity), and SVA retrotransposon mediated human brain evolution through neurodevelopmental disease gene regulation. Build molecular constructs in AAV and lentivirus and design and with the transgenic core, develop new genetically engineered mice. Perform and analyze single cell/nucleus sequencing studies. Perform and analyze imaging studies (confocal, two-photon, in vivo mini-microscope). Perform other biomedical research laboratory related experiments including Western blotting, ELISA, DNA and RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, in vivo studies using animals, human iPSC-derived neuron culture studies. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. 10%

• Assist the Principal Investigator in writing grants for the laboratory for the first 3-4 years. 10%

• Develop new techniques and protocols to advance research projects within the lab. Train lab members on new techniques. 10%

• Coordinate experiments performed by other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Oversee progress of the research projects and provide regular progress reports to the PI; and provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Ensure the PI is informed about the results of lab members, and ensure the PI’s experimental strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the Research Scientist. 10%

• Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate trainings for lab members with the EHS and others, as needed. 10%

• Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. 5%

• Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author and co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. 5%

• Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab. 10%

• Supervise research assistants and technicians. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other lab members, ensuring proper lab procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for lab work. 5%

• Become an expert in operating the laboratory equipment. Assist other lab members with general lab maintenance and help oversee and maintain inventory of scientific reagents. 5%

• Independently write and apply for grants as Principal Investigator. Submit subsequent grant applications as needed to maintain independent research and funding. 5%

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other labs for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with the Animal Resource Center, Contact with other departments as needed

External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed

Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. Supervise Research Associates within the lab. Oversee all lab members including postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related postdoctoral experience in preferred field of study preferred.

Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or other terminal degree in related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Molecular biologist and neuroscientist.

• Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University. Excellent technical writing skills required.

• Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.

• Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.

• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.

• Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.

• Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed.

• Animal research only:Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

• Animal research only:Must demonstrate compassion for animals within CWRU facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.

• Animal Research only:Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.

Salary Range

$55,000 - $60,000 annually

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working indoors and with animals. Occasional travel or necessary overtime (occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends depending on grant deadlines or manuscript revisions).

Animal research only:Case's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service “Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to SOM Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related postdoctoral experience in preferred field of study preferred.

Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or other terminal degree in related field.