Date: March 2024
Title: Research Scientist
Department: Otolaryngology / UH
School: Medicine
Location: Wolstein Research Building
Supervisor Name and Title: Quintin Pan, Professor
POSITION OBJECTIVE:
The Pan lab is focused on developing new technologies, such as biomarkers, diagnostics, drugs, to optimize the clinical management of head and neck cancer patients. The Research Scientist will oversee research projects within a highly productive translational head and neck cancer research group, providing scientific oversight, guidance to lab members, and lab management in the absence of the Principal Investigator (PI). The Research Scientist will design and plan projects, oversee internal/external collaborations, oversee/supervise staff and students, manage animal models, and fully execute research projects with the aim of novel target, drug, and biomarker discovery for head and neck cancer. The Research Scientist will utilize state of the art cell biology, molecular biology, animal models, and bioinformatics platforms to complete scientific projects. 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 manuscripts.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Independently and with the PI, design, plan, and execute research projects with the aim of novel target, drug, and biomarker discovery for head and neck cancer. Perform hands-on experiments using techniques, such as tissue culture, immunoblotting, DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, in vivo studies using mouse models, and bioinformatics. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis (60%).
1. 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%).
2. With the PI, 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 (10%).
3. Independently author research projects. 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%)
4. Assist PI in extramural grant funding submission (2.5%).
5. Develop new techniques and protocols to advance research projects within the lab. Train lab members on new techniques (2.5%).
6. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals (2.5%).
7. Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab (2.5%).
8. 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 (2.5%).
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Perform other duties as assigned (2.5%).
REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and experimental protocols within the cancer biology field.
2. Must be willing and have experience in animal experiments including pre-clinical oncology animal models.
3. Must have extensive experience in cell biology, molecular biology, cell culture, and lentivirus.
4. Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
8. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
9. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.
10. Excellent computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health the animals.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
General laboratory environment. General research laboratory environment. The work involves the use of a variety of chemicals and biohazards, including working under BLS2 environment for lentivirus experiments. Every precaution has been taken to create a safe and pleasant working environment, in accordance with environmental health and safety policies.
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.
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
May supervise laboratory staff including research assistants, research associate, postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related postdoctoral experience in preferred field(s) of study preferred. Less experience and demonstrated expertise in a particular field of study will be considered.
Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or other terminal degree, such as DDS, in biomedical sciences.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
