Job Information
Case Western Reserve University Research Assistant 1 in Cleveland, Ohio
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under moderate supervision, the Research Assistant 1 will perform work modeling biological and ecological systems. The research assistant will examine how parasitism affects adaptive vigilance behavior in a prey species and how the changes in vigilance lead to knock-on trophic effects, especially regarding marine ecosystems. Such work utilizes skills of developing and analyzing mathematical models, specifically evolutionary game theoretic models known as G-functions, of trophic dynamics and adaptive behavior, and running computational simulations using the *R *(or similar) programming languages. This is a part-time position to support the development of the Eco-Evo Theory lab.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Perform research work in evolutionary game theoretic modeling related technical areas involving use of lab skills. Perform research work in developing evolutionary game theoretic models, specifically G-function models, of ecological trophic dynamics. (10%)
- Conduct analysis of samples. Perform analysis of the models using mathematical techniques and computational simulations using the R (and potentially other) programming languages. (45%)
- Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments. Maintain replicable code of the simulations that is clean, clear and under control. Keep all raw and analyzed data and results in an easy-to-obtain working environment (i.e., OneDrive). (20%)
- Gather and collect background research on biologically appropriate systems. Read scholarly articles and do literature surveys on vigilance, parasitism, and trophic cascades, especially regarding marine ecosystems. (10%)
Assist with writing manuscripts and develop presentations to disseminate results to a wider audience. Develop simple presentations to present to the other lab members and more complex presentations to be disseminated to a wider scientific audience. Provide written reports of the analysis that may be later developed into a manuscript. (15%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with supervisor to discuss research and maintain workflow.
University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information.
External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information. Occasional contact with external collaborators to discuss research progress and maintain workflow.
Students: Limited contact with student employees to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: Bachelor¿s degree in science and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years of experience required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the mathematical modelling and computational field including knowledge of the R and similar programming languages.
Ability to operate Windows computer equipment, the R Studio environment, and OneDrive cloud storage.
A willingness to learn the skills of the job and new skills to perform given tasks.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to work well with others and within a team (personable, interpersonal skills).
Independently driven and has the characteristics to be able to lead a project (highly motivated, dependable, innovative, creative).
Oral and written communication skills and the willingness to develop said skills if lacking.
Ability to survey the literature and synthesize important topics.