Research Scientist bei Case Western Reserve University

Date: October 2025

Title: Research Scientist

Department: Biomedical Engineering

School: Medicine

Location: Wolstein Building

Supervisor Name and Title: Mei Zhang, PhD

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, supervise research staff and students, and fully execute research projects with the aim of using multi-omics analysis and systems immunology to study the intricate interactions between hosts and microbes in order to translate these insights into precision immunotherapies for cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurological disorders. The Research Scientist will utilize various bioinformatics tools to analyze next-generation sequencing data, including full-length RNA sequencing, genome sequencing, and bisulfite sequencing, among others specialized techniques. 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 through submission of subsequent grant applications as needed. The Research Scientist will also participate collaboratively with other Principal Investigators within and external to CWRU.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Provide scientific oversight of research projects. Perform bioinformatic analyses, including establishing various pipelines using CWRU HPC and managing next-generation sequencing datasets. (25%)  
   
2. With the principal investigator, design, plan, and oversee research projects. 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. (20%)  
   
3. Independently author research projects. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from the analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts together with the PI and other lab members. (10%)  
   
4. Mentor and train research staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques and bioinformatic analysis to other lab members to facilitate their research work. (10%)  
5. Assist the principal investigator in writing grants for the laboratory. (10%)  
6. Independently write and apply for grants as principal investigator. Submit subsequent grant applications as needed to maintain independent research and funding. (10%)  
   
7. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. (5%)
   
8. Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab. (5%)
   
9. 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 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 in Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry or related field of study.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES 

1. Experience in bioinformatics (including AI-based approaches), next-generation sequencing (particularly long-read sequencing), epigenetics and genomics, transcriptional regulation, biomarkers and personalized medicine required. 

2. Experience in laboratory techniques used to investigate immuno-oncology and cancer biology strongly; preferred. 

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

4. 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. 

5. 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.    

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

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

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

9. Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed. Specific of skill and experience using bioinformatic and genomic sequencing analysis programs. 

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

11. 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.

12. Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health of the animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

General laboratory and office environment. May have exposure to hazards, including hazardous chemicals. Occasional on campus travel between laboratories/schools, and extended hours when on deadline for grant submissions. Occasional travel to present data at local or national conferences. This position is not eligible for the staff hybrid work program. This position will work with animals. 

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 with 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.

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In compliance with the City of Cleveland’s Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $71,000. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Staff receive individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance.

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 in Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry or related field of study.