Junior Research Assistant

Santa Clara University; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 28,469 - 40,547; Full time

Job summary

Santa Clara University is seeking a Junior Research Assistant responsible for assisting in data acquisition and analysis for laboratory research under Professor Meaghan Deegan in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

The position focuses on synthesizing new molecules, analyzing spectroscopic data, and maintaining laboratory safety. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field and can have up to 3 years of lab experience.

The role offers an hourly pay of $25.05.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of working safely in a chemical laboratory and chemical reactivity.
• 0–3 years of laboratory research experience required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the Synthesis and Study of New Molecules.
• Analyze and process spectroscopic data to generate plots and figures.
• Conduct searches of the scientific literature and summarize findings.

Skills

Safe handling of hazardous chemicals

Molecular synthesis

Purification of synthesized molecules

Spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis

Use of routine laboratory equipment

Searching and critical reading of scientific literature

Basic scientific writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or closely aligned field

Tools

Balances

Rotary evaporators

Vacuum pumps

Hot plates

Job description

Position Title

Junior Research Assistant

Position Type

Fixed Term

Hiring Range

$25.05 / hour

Pay Frequency

Hourly

Position Purpose

Assist in data acquisition and data analysis of experimental laboratory research under the direction of Professor Meaghan Deegan, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the Synthesis and Study of New Molecules
  • Synthesize various organic, inorganic, and organometallic molecules using air‑free Schlenk and glovebox methods, including calculating reagent amounts and monitoring reaction progress.
  • Purify synthesized molecules using techniques including distillation, column chromatography, and crystallization.
  • Identify and characterize synthetic products using advanced instrumentation including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), UV‑visible spectroscopy, and other techniques.
  • Execute routine troubleshooting of commonly used instrumentation in the laboratory by interfacing with laboratory management staff and/or service representatives.
• Spectroscopic Data Analysis
  • Analyze and process spectroscopic data to generate plots and figures.
• Writing Support
  • Conduct searches of the scientific literature and summarize findings at the request of the supervisor.
  • Prepare supporting figures, data, and references for grants or scientific manuscripts drafted by the supervisor.
• Laboratory Support
  • Maintain the lab in a general state of cleanliness and order.
  • Maintain lab equipment.
  • Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables.
• Maintenance of Laboratory Safety
  • Execute and report regular online laboratory safety inspections via the university portal.
  • Remedy minor safety code infractions within the laboratory.
  • Write standard operating procedure protocol documents to train new students to execute routine laboratory procedures safely and reproducibly.
  • Monitor hazardous waste accumulation and coordinate with laboratory staff for routine pickup of waste.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Knowledge
  • Basic understanding of working safely in a chemical laboratory, principles of chemical reactivity, stoichiometry, chemical synthesis, spectroscopic analysis of molecules (organic/inorganic/organometallic).
• Skills
  • Safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
  • Molecular synthesis.
  • Purification of synthesized molecules.
  • Spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis.
  • Use of routine laboratory equipment, including balances, rotary evaporators, vacuum pumps, and hot plates.
  • Searching and critical reading of the scientific literature.
  • Basic scientific writing.
• Abilities
  • Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations.
  • Work independently.
  • Work cooperatively as part of a research team, including regular progress reports to supervisor and other members of the laboratory.
  • Keep detailed records of work in laboratory notebook.
• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or closely aligned field required.
• Years of Experience
  • 0–3 years of laboratory research experience required.

EEO Statement

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.