Research Technician

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $19.32 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Working under limited supervision perform technical procedures and experiments according to instructions/protocols. The Research Technician 3 will perform routine tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, focusing on investigating the effects of stroke and circadian clock disruption on immune cells in mice. Key responsibilities include conducting various laboratory protocols using molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, such as histology, light microscopy, seahorse assays, behavioral assays, and cell culture.

The research technician will meet weekly with the supervisor to discuss study progress and report data. Other responsibilities include recording experimental results and maintaining accurate lab records. The lab aims to explore the intersection of circadian biology, immunology, and metabolism to understand aging and disease. This role works with animals.

• Administer experiments. Carry out a variety of routine laboratory protocols that include molecular biology techniques (histology, light microscopy, behavioral assays) and cell culture. (30%)
• May feed animals, clean and maintain cages. Organize mouse colony and keep record census of number of mice, mice used for experiments and what types of experiments were conducted as well as genotyping mouse strains. (20%)
• Perform housekeeping tasks to ensure that the lab is kept neat and organized. This includes making sure that there are no used instruments sitting in the sink or on lab benches, reagents, buffers, powders and other consumables are in the right places. Prepare solutions for experiments which include but not limited solutions for cell cultures. (20%)
• Maintain records, reports, inventory. Perform inventory control, ordering, and recording of experiments. Oversee the daily activities of the laboratory including lab maintenance and maintain lab stock by receiving and organizing purchased items and equipment. Manage the chemical inventory and maintain records, including safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. (10%)
• Provide some analysis and interpretation of results as appropriate from experimental projects using computer-based tools. These projects include histological analyses, light microscopy, metabolic assays using the Seahorse instrument, behavioral assessments in animal models, and cell culture studies. Results are also derived from experiments involving mouse models, including genotyping, immune cell-related analyses, and investigations of stroke and circadian rhythm disruption. (6%)

• Install and maintain laboratory equipment, specifically the seahorse and cytation instruments that measure metabolic function and imaging. Research Technician 3 should be able to set up specified supplies and equipment according to detailed specifications. Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and functional checks to ensure equipment readiness for experimental use. Provide limited troubleshooting and minor adjustments within established guidelines, and coordinate with vendors or technical staff for repairs, complex issues, or nonroutine modifications.
  
  (5%)
• Work with health and safety department (EHS) to ensure that the lab complies with regulations and all required trainings. (4%)
• May supervise and train lower-level technicians or students. This will include helping them learn techniques such as western blots and pcr. (3%)
• May instruct faculty and students in the use of equipment specifically the seahorse and cytation instrument. (1%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

Department:
Continuous contact with supervisor to maintain workflow in the lab.

University:
Occasional contact with other departments to share information regarding collaborations, experimental procedures, booking rooms for presentations, picking up deliveries and general communication.

External:
Occasional contact with vendors to exchange information about instruments and equipment.

Students:
Continuous contact with student employees to exchange information about scheduling, lab duties, experiments, and presentations.

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

Experience:

2 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education/Licensing:
High school education required.

• Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within Biology and/or Biochemistry.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Ability to…