Research Assistant- IL- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Midwestern University; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness facility

Flexible spending accounts

Tuition reimbursement

403(b) retirement plan

Time off package

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL, seeks a Research Assistant to support faculty in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. You will assist in training students, design and execution of experiments, data collection and analysis, and presenting results.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with 0–2 years of lab experience; proficiency with MS Office is expected and basic statistics/graphing skills are desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences with lab experience.
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) proficiency required.
• Experience with basic statistics and imaging/graphing tools desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs standard research procedures in cell and molecular biology under supervision.
• Assists in training students and guiding experiments.
• Graphs and analyzes data and assists with manuscript preparation.
• Keeps accurate lab notebooks and maintains lab safety and cleanliness.
• Obtains quotes and orders lab supplies as needed.

Skills

MS Office

Statistics

Imaging software

Graphing software

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Job description

Summary:

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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 principalinvestigators
• Performs other duties that will include working with laboratoryanimals.
• Assists in the development of new protocols
• Provides direction and guidance to students conducting researchin 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 workwithin the department
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness, repair, andorganization 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 manuscriptpreparation

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able toperform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listedbelow are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilityrequired. 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 withdisabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

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

Computer Skills:

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

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of thosethat must be met by an employee to successfully perform theessential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may bemade to enable individuals with disabilities to perform theessential 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. Thisindividual is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds andoccasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Close and distance visioncorrectable to 20/20 in both eyes, ability to distinguish depth andshades of grey scale.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here arerepresentative of those an employee encounters while performing theessential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may bemade to enable individuals with disabilities to perform theessential functions. Individuals will occasionally work near movingmechanical parts, be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxicor caustic chemicals, risk of electric shock, radiation andvibration. The noise level in the work environment is usuallymoderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organizationthat provides graduate and post-graduate education in the healthsciences. 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 anesthesia,cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology,speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinarymedicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff membersare dedicated to the education and development of our students inan environment that encourages learning, respect for all members ofthe health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarlyactivity, 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 flexiblespending accounts including healthcare reimbursement andchild/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance withcompetitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flexdays, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirementplan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursementprogram, identity theft protection and an employee assistanceprogram. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellnessfacility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Actionemployer that does not discriminate against an employee orapplicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national originor ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender(including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexualorientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past,current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; geneticinformation; or any other protected class, in accord withall federal, state and local laws and regulations. MidwesternUniversity 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 of2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals withDisabilities

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.