Summary
The Research Assistant is a grant-funded position and will be assisting in a research laboratory. Duties will include participation in analytical work (e.g., HPLC/LCMS) and experimental work (e.g., cells, rodents, etc). This position reports to a Principal Investigator/Professor.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Work is performed under direct supervision by the Principal Investigator or a senior member of the lab.
- Perform a wide variety of standard research procedures in the animal and analytical laboratory with supervision, following established procedures and protocols
- Track results, compile data using appropriate formats and graphs, and analyze data with training and supervision
- Enter data and review for accuracy
- Maintains an accurate laboratory notebook
- Adheres to laboratory safety procedures
- Assists in standard maintenance of the laboratory
- Obtains quotes and performs ordering and receiving duties for lab supplies
- Trains students
- Contributes to abstract submissions, poster preparation, and/or manuscript publications
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and a safe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor's degree from a four-year College or university in a biological or other related science. 0-2 years of research experience required. Must be willing to work with rodents.
Computer Skills
Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Ability to use graphical and statistical programs (GraphPAD, PRISM) and operate laboratory instruments.
Language Skills
Intermediate skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.
Reasoning Ability
Intermediate skills: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to analyze data and outcomes.
Mathematical Ability
Intermediate skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interests, commissions, and proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, push/pull equipment, talk or hear. The individual is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and taste or smell. This employee must regularly lift and or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. This position requires standard or correctable vision.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This individual will regularly work near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. This individual may occasionally be exposed to vibration and the risk of electric shock. 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 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.
Required
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0-2 years of research experience required.
Required
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Bachelors or better in Biology or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
