Research Assistant- IL- Anatomy

Summary

The Department of Anatomy at Midwestern Universitys Downers Grove campus is seeking a highly organized self-motivated Research Assistant to support faculty-led research projects. This position involves multidisciplinary work in behavioral neuroscience as well as molecular and cellular analyses. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in laboratory techniques and a demonstrated interest in neuroscience research. The role requires both independent work under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and collaboration within a research team. Opportunities include hands-on training in advanced scientific methods and professional development in an academic setting. The Research Assistant will report directly to the Department Chair.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performing rodent dissection; growing and harvesting cells and tissue explants in liquid media using aseptic techniques; histology immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques; in-situ hybridization and microscopy; nucleic acid isolation PCR and Western blots.
• Maintaining lab chemical inventory and MSDS plus timely ordering of lab supplies.
• Performing other duties as assigned
• Assists with the design and execution of rodent molecular and cellular experiments commensurate with the needs of department faculty members.
• Documents and carries out experimental protocols and procedures in accordance with faculty members.
• Maintains mouse colonies including transgenic colonies under faculty supervision including mouse breeding handling ear tagging drug delivery via intraperitoneal intramuscular or subcutaneous injections genotyping (obtain tail snips and perform PCR analyses) monitoring mice recovering from experimental procedures and accurate maintenance of colony records.
• Aids in the supervision of research-related activities including the scheduling of experiments organizing data for presentation and publication and traveling to sites of collaboration in research projects.
• Maintains detailed and accurate laboratory records including experimental data and digital image files while also ensuring all lab paperwork is up to date. Responsible for obtaining quotes ordering supplies and keeping the laboratory appropriately stocked at all times.
• Accurately maintains records of items in laboratories including data lot numbers expiration dates etc. Maintains a clean and organized laboratory area.
• Maintains an accurate laboratory notebook and assists faculty members in troubleshooting technical issues.
• Mentors and trains students on relevant techniques tasks and safety training within a faculty members laboratory.
• With supervision from faculty members prepare abstracts data analysis and graphs for posters scientific presentations grants and publications.
• Adheres to biosafety and animal safety guidelines and standards.
• Performs additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the essential duties 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 safe manner and have regular predictable in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Excellent organizational skills and proficiency with the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office are required. English-language reasoning mathematical skills and comfort handling rodents are required.

Education and/or Experience

A Bachelors degree in anatomy biology biomedical sciences or a related field is required.
Relevant laboratory experience (02 years) is strongly preferred particularly experience working with laboratory rodents. Additional experience in data analysis and preparing figures for scientific presentations or publications is a plus. Preferred but not required skills include:

• Rodent behavioral assays
• Rodent perfusions
• Intracranial rodent surgery
• Tissue sectioning
• Immunohistochemistry
• Confocal imaging
• Imaging data analysis

Previous research experience in neuroscience molecular biology or cellular biology laboratories is also considered a plus.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word Excel PowerPoint and Outlook) is required. Familiarity with 3D image visualization and data analysis software is desirable.

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.

The ability to lift 25 lbs.; vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes; depth color and close vision; hearing correctable to normal; ability to tolerate prolonged standing or sitting; full use of fingers hands and arms; sufficient movement of upper and lower extremities for bending stretching reaching walking and pushing; ability to bend over; ability to tolerate repetitive computer-based tasks.

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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to work near a fume hood and is occasionally exposed to vibrations toxic and caustic chemicals and fumes/airborne particles.

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 6000 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 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 regulation. 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.