Date: September 2025
Title: Senior Research Associate
Department: Physiology and Biophysics
School: Medicine
Location: Robbins Building
Supervisor Name and Title: Julian Stelzer, PhD, Professor, Department of Physiology and Biophysics
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working with a high degree of independence and under general direction, the Senior Research Associate (SRA) will perform tasks involving extensive ex vivo and in vivo experiments related to assessment of cardiac function. The SRA will coordinate, design, implement, test and validate data collection and analysis methods in in vivo cardiac physiology and on the effects of various pharmacological, surgical, and viral interventions. The SRA will work closely with the PI and laboratory undergraduate, graduate students, and postdocs, also assist in training lab personnel in various in vivo techniques. This position will work with animals. The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for conducting various in vivo and ex vivo assessments of cardiac function primarily in rodent models of heart disease.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Coordinate major lab activities. Oversee, develop procedures, optimize experiments in in vivo cardiac assessment and the effects of various drugs and small molecules, as well as develop and test new surgical techniques to assess cardiac physiology. (25%)
2. Perform the most quantitative and analytical procedures. Specific tasks include the design of complex in vivo survival surgeries, ex vivo techniques in isolated hearts, new readouts of cardiac performance using sophisticated software and equipment. (25%)
3. Provide input and recommendations to principal investigator regarding significant developments in research projects. Key complex tasks include the creation of new surgical techniques, analysis methods, and ex-vivo models of cardiac function. (20%)
4. Train or instruct others in research techniques including muscle mechanics setup with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, and work with animal models/bacterial cells, and standard laboratory policies as well as in vivo physiology assessment techniques. May supervise research assistants, technicians and students. (7%)
5. Assist in developing procedures. Review the efficiency of in vivo and ex vivo genetic cardiac function techniques and complex quantitative precision of experiments and analysis. Coordinate information with others as needed. (10%)
6. Co-author research projects and provide data to the principal investigator for sponsor progress reports, manuscripts, grant and pilot applications. Participate in manuscript and grant writing, review data and figure quality. (8%)
7. May supervise laboratory staff, scholars, and students. (5%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with PI and research staff to discuss research projects
University: Occasional contact with other PIs in the Department and other departments throughout the university, and with cross-institutional collaborations to discuss research.
External: Limited contact with collaborators in other institutions and supply vendors.
Students: Frequent contact with students, fellows, and medical students to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervise research assistants I, II, and III, and graduate students.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience/Education: PhD, MD, or Terminal Degree required. A minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral experience in a related field is required. Experience in Surgical Research Technician/Anesthetist, toxicology, or pharmacology is preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in in vivo cardiovascular function.
2. Able to perform various cardiac phenotyping techniques, knowledge of anesthetic, surgical, and post-surgical procedures.
3. Prior experience with measurements of in vivo cardiac function, including echocardiography, pressure volume catheterization, telemetry, etc.. Ability to train staff to perform these techniques.
4. Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision.
5. Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail.
6. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and give attention to detail in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
7. Ability to effectively operate laboratory equipment
8. Ability to problem-solve effectively and assist in the development and implementation of alternative solutions as needed. Must demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.
9. Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively within a team.
10. Ability to learn and apply new techniques, ideas, processes, policies, functions, etc. Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
11. Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently. Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations.
12. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors face to face.
13. Ability to follow through on assigned projects and provide timely follow-up as needed.
14. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions will require working on a bench with molecular reagents and/or cardiac tissues, working with animal models in the laboratory, working in front of a computer for several hours, working outside standard working days or hours as required. The employee will work with frequent interruptions and distractions. Must be willing to collaborate with other members of the lab and/or other labs. There may be exposure to research specific chemicals and the employee will need to take Chemical Safety Training. Required personal protective equipment may include a standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. May have exposure to hazards.
Experience/Education: PhD, MD, or Terminal Degree required. A minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral experience in a related field is required. Experience in Surgical Research Technician/Anesthetist, toxicology, or pharmacology is preferred.
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.
