Research Assistant- AZ- Microbiology & Immunology

Job Summary

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is currently seeking a Research Assistant to provide technical support to research faculty and graduate students and to support the microbiology teaching laboratories. This position reports to the Chair of the Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide and maintain laboratory technical support
  • Perform a wide variety of research procedures with some supervision
  • Provide assistance on the use of specialized software and equipment
  • Obtain quotes and handle all incoming laboratory orders
  • Order laboratory class supplies chemicals and equipment
  • Assist in preparation setup and performance of student laboratory exercises
  • Provide instruction as necessary to students
  • Ensure adherence to laboratory safety procedures and protocols
  • Ensure proper handling and disposal of chemical/biohazardous waste

• Support faculty researchers
  • Assist in performing experiments for various research projects
  • Perform experiments involving laboratory animals including handling and in vivo procedures
  • Assist with literature searches
  • Graph and analyze data with some supervision
  • Keep an accurate lab notebook
  • Communicate updates about the status of research projects
  • Manage and organize research supplies and assist in maintenance of equipment
  • Assist the faculty in supervising students working in the lab
  • Provide assistance to research students
  • Assist faculty with abstract and poster submissions
• Other duties may be assigned

Preferred skills

• Experience and proficiency in at least three of these skills is greatly preferred:
  • Knowledge of aseptic techniques
  • Propagation and isolation of bacterial & fungal cultures
  • Polymerase chain reaction for amplification of DNA
  • Cloning of DNA into expression vectors
  • Protein expression and purification
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Experience in microscopy

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability 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.

Education and/or Experience

A Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences (Biology Microbiology Cell Biology Biomedical Sciences or related field) is required. 0-2 years of previous research related experience is required. Experience working with laboratory animals (e.g. handling or in vivo procedures) is highly desirable. Familiarity with institutional animal care and use protocols (IACUC) is an asset.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word Excel Outlook and PowerPoint) is expected. Familiarity with statistical and/or graphical software is desired.

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. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit walk climb or balance stoop kneel or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision correctable to 20/40 in one eye.

Work Environment

The work environments are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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.

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Required Experience:

Junior IC