Research Assistant- IL- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Summary:

The Research Assistant provides research support to the research endeavors of the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. The Research Assistant is expected to assist inthe training of students, design and execution of researchexperiments, collection and analysis of data, generation of figure sand presentations for the collected data, and revising manuscriptsthat involve these data. This position reports to the Chair of the Department.

• Performs standard research procedures in cell and molecularbiology (western blot, RT-PCR, qPCR, chromatinimmunoprecipitations, cell culture and harvesting of human celllines, immunofluorescence (IF), RNA & DNA purification,molecular cloning, etc.) under supervision of principal investigators
• Performs other duties that will include working with laboratory animals.
• Assists in the development of new protocols
• Provides direction and guidance to students conducting research in the labs.
• Assists PI’s with trouble-shooting and problem-solvingsolutions to technical problems.
• Graphs and analyzes data.
• Performs literature searches for protocols and approaches
• Keeps accurate lab notebooks for each lab where they work within the department
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness, repair, and organization of laboratories
• Responsible for recordkeeping, maintenance and disposalassociated with lab equipment and chemicals
• Adheres to laboratory safety procedures
• Obtains quotes and performs ordering and receiving duties forlab supplies
• Contributes to abstract submissions and poster and manuscript preparation

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able toperform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness andsafe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences related field with some relevant laboratory experience (0 – 2 years). Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques including western blot,PCR, and cell culture is preferred.

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required. Experience with Statistics, Graphing and Imaging software is desirable.

The physical demands described here are representative of thosethat must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may bemade to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, usehands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talkand hear. This individual is occasionally required to climb orbalance, stoop, kneel crouch or crawl, taste or smell. This individual is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Close and distance visioncorrectable to 20/20 in both eyes, ability to distinguish depth andshades of grey scale.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may bemade to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxicor caustic chemicals, risk of electric shock, radiation and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove,Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathicmedicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies,physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse…