Junior Research Assistant Santa Clara University

Ajcunet; Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Clara University invites applications for a Junior Research Assistant in the Chemistry & Biochemistry department. The role supports data acquisition, synthesis, and spectral analysis under the supervision of Professor Meaghan Deegan.

Responsibilities include preparing and characterizing molecules, analyzing NMR/IR/UV-Vis data, assisting with literature reviews, maintaining a clean lab, and helping train undergraduates while upholding safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or closely aligned field.
• Ability to work in a laboratory under supervision with safe practices.
• Experience with synthesis and purification of chemicals is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize various molecules and purify using distillation, chromatography and crystallization.
• Analyze spectroscopic data and generate plots and figures.
• Support writing and prepare figures for grants or manuscripts.
• Maintain lab cleanliness and equipment and manage inventory.
• Contribute to safety procedures and training of students.

Skills

Chemical handling

Synthesis

Spectroscopy

NMR data analysis

Literature review

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

Tools

NMR spectrometer

IR spectrometer

UV-Vis spectrometer

Schlenk line / glovebox

Job description

Junior Research Assistant

Position Title: Junior Research Assistant

Position Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hiring Range: $25.05/hour

Pay Frequency: Hourly

A. POSITION PURPOSE

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

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 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.

2. Spectroscopic data analysis

• Analyze and process spectroscopic data to generate plots and figures.

3. 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.

4. Laboratory Support

• Maintain lab in a general state of cleanliness and order.
• Maintain lab equipment.
• Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables.

5. 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.

6. Other duties as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

Ensures that undergraduate student researchers maintain a safe laboratory environment and adhere to standard laboratory procedures. Assists with training of undergraduate student researchers in standard laboratory practices and procedures.

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
• Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools.
• Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
• Prepares progress reports, informs supervisor of project status and deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
• Prepares and submits written or oral reports as requested and required.
• Develops and implements standard operating procedures to support the functions of the laboratory.

E. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

1. Knowledge

• Basic understanding of the following: working safely in a chemical laboratory, principles of chemical reactivity, stoichiometry, chemical synthesis, spectroscopic analysis of molecules (organic/inorganic/organometallic)

2. Skills

• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Molecular synthesis.
• Purification of synthesized molecules.
• Spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis.
• Use of routine laboratory equipment, including but not limited to: balances, rotary evaporators, vacuum pumps, and hot plates.
• Searching and critical reading of the scientific literature.
• Basic scientific writing.

3. 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

4. Education

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

5. Years of Experience

• 0-3 years of laboratory research experience required.

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Considerable time is spent doing hands-on work at a laboratory bench or fume hood.
• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
• May be required to attend conferences and/or training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Chemistry laboratory environment, including handling hazardous chemicals.
• Indoor laboratory environment with windows.
• Office and laboratory with equipment noise.
• Office and laboratory with frequent interruptions.

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

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/.

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at [phone]. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone]. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact [e-mail].