Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Research Scientist will be tasked with executing on a portfolio of funded projects in the lab, while simultaneously being expected to grow new programmatic areas within the Brubaker lab portfolio. These include but are not limited to: systems immunology, gut and vaginal microbiome pharmacology, translation modeling, women’s health, and other areas as scientific scope and funding allow.

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, and oversee staff and students.

The required skills include but are not limited to proficiency with computational biology methods, workflow design, data analysis and interpretation, and writing, publication, and dissemination of research results. Wet lab experience is a plus, but not required.

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. 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. The Research Scientist will also participate collaboratively with other Principal Investigators within and external to CWRU.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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. 20%
2. With the principal investigator, 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. 20%
3. Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects aligned with the lab’s research scope and directions. Maintain accurate records of data and provide findings and recommendations to the PI based on analysis. 15%
4. Independently write and apply for grants as Principal Investigator. Submit subsequent grant applications as needed to maintain independent research and funding. 10%
5. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure pro jects 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%
6. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals. 10%
7. 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. 10%
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. 5%

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. 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

May, with PI approval, supervise laboratory staff including research assistants and technicians. May 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(s) of study preferred. Less experience and demonstrated expertise in a particular field of study may be considered.

Education/Licensing: PhD, MD, or other terminal degree (indicate accepted terminal degrees) in (specified) field of study.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

1. Experience developing or utilizing advanced computational modeling techniques on heterogeneous biological datasets.
2. Proficiency in single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional data analysis, bioinformatics tools, and programming languages (R, Python).
3. Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex workflows.
4. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret and integrate complex datasets.
5. Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks effectively.
6. Strong record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills; capable of clearly presenting complex scientific data and collaborating effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
8. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
9. Commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
10. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
11. Familiarity with policies and procedures of lab and adhere to chemical and biological safety and manage them.
12. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials. Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be provided. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required depending on project needs. Travel to conferences, collaborative meetings, and in other professional capacities should be expected.

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 annual salary is $70,000-$75,000, 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.