On-Call, Junior Research Assistant

Santa Clara University; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Clara University is seeking an On-Call, Junior Research Assistant to assist in data acquisition and analysis in the chemistry and biochemistry lab under the direction of Associate Professor Ian Carter-O’Connell. The role involves protein expression/purification, MALDI-MS work, and writing support.

The position requires 0–3 years of lab experience, a relevant bachelor’s degree, and the ability to work with cell culture and sterile techniques.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of laboratory safety and protein/peptide biochemistry.
• Knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology principles.
• Experience with protein expression and purification techniques.
• Familiarity with MALDI-MS data acquisition and analysis.
• Ability to work with standard laboratory equipment and perform sterile techniques.
• Strong written and scientific communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the expression, purification, and analysis of proteins.
• Support writing, proofreading, and drafting manuscripts and grant sections.
• Prepare sterile stock solutions and growth media; maintain lab equipment.
• Maintain safe lab practices; write SOPs and train new members.
• Train undergrad researchers in standard lab procedures and safety.

Skills

Protein expression in E. coli

Protein purification

Gel electrophoresis

MALDI-MS data analysis

Laboratory safety

Sterile technique

Literature search & writing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biochemistry/biology or closely aligned field

Job description

Position Title:

On-Call, Junior Research Assistant

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hiring Range:

$25.05 - $30.05 per hour; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Pay Frequency:

Hourly

A. POSITION PURPOSE

To assist in the data acquisition and analysis of experimental laboratory research under the direction of Associate Professor Ian Carter-O'Connell, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist in the expression, purification, and analysis of proteins

• Clone genes into suitable protein expression DNA vectors.
• Express various proteins in E. coli using sterile technique.
• Purify proteins using chromatography and a fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) system.
• Perform gel electrophoresis during routine quality control and aid in troubleshooting protein expression/purification issues.
• Perform peptide synthesis using a peptide synthesizer.
• Characterize proteins using advanced instrumentation including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
• Analyze and process MALDI-MS data to generate figures for presentations and publications.
• Execute routine troubleshooting and maintenance of commonly used instrumentation in the laboratory under the council of laboratory management staff and/or service representatives.
• Prepare standard laboratory buffers and media.
• Perform various cell assays using immortalized cell lines using sterile technique.
• Maintain clear, detailed laboratory notebooks (using a digital format) with experimental procedures, calculations, and data.

2. Writing support

• Conduct searches of the primary scientific literature and summarize findings at the request of the PI.
• Proofread grant proposals and manuscripts produced by the PI.
• Prepare drafts of various manuscript and grant sections, figures, tables, and presentations for associated research projects.

3. Laboratory support

• Prepare sterile stock solutions and growth media.
• Wash and autoclave glassware.
• Maintain lab equipment.
• Maintain lab in general state of cleanliness and order.
• Maintain lab electronic resources and data.
• Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables.

4. Maintenance of laboratory safety

• Execute and report regular online laboratory safety inspections via the university portal.
• Remedy minor safety code infractions within the laboratory in accordance with university policy.
• Write standard operating procedure (SOP) documents to train new lab members and execute routine laboratory procedures safely.
• Monitor hazardous and biohazardous waste accumulation.

5. Other duties as assigned

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

Ensures that undergraduate student researchers maintain a safe laboratory environment and adhere to standard laboratory procedures. Trains undergraduate student researchers in standard laboratory practices and procedures.

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Identifies and determines the causes of problems; researches, develops, and presents recommendations for improvement of established practices.

2. Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools.

3. Researches and develops resources that support timely and efficient workflow. 4. Maintains contact with PI and solicits feedback for improved work.

4. Prepares progress reports, informs PI of project status and deviation from timeline. Ensures completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational functions.

5. Prepares and submits written and/or oral reports as requested and required. 7. Develops and implements SOPs to support laboratory functions.

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 and to promote and contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.

1. Knowledge

• Basic understanding of the following: laboratory safety; principles of protein/peptide biochemistry, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, and kinetics; principles of molecular biology and microbiology.

2. Skills

• Bacterial and cell culture using sterile technique.
• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials
• Protein expression in E. coli.
• Protein purification using affinity and size-exclusion chromatography.
• Gene cloning using PCR and standard molecular biology techniques.
• Gel electrophoresis.
• Spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis.
• MALDI-MS data acquisition and analysis.
• Use of routine laboratory equipment, including, but not limited to: micropipettes, gel electrophoresis, centrifuges, autoclave, and cell culture incubators.
• Searching and critical reading of primary literature.
• Scientific writing and figure generation.

3. Abilities

• Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations.
• Work independently.
• Work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary research team while providing regular progress reports to the PI and lab members.
• Keep detailed records of work completed in digital laboratory notebook.

4. Education

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

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 otherrequirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Considerable time is spent performing hands-on work at a laboratory bench.
• 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 conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out of-state locations.

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Typical biochemistry laboratory environments, including handling hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials.
• Indoor laboratory environment with windows.
• Offices and laboratory with equipment noise.
• Offices 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 athttps://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 Serviceswebsite. 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 [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].