Research Assistant- IL- Physiology

Summary:

The Department of Physiology at Midwestern University Downers Grove is looking for a motivated enthusiastic and scientifically curious Research Assistant to provide research support for the Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology. The Research Assistant is expected to assist in the design and execution of animal cellular and molecular biology-based research projects; data collection and analysis; and preparation of figures for manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications. The candidate should have experience working with laboratory mice. This position will report to the Associate Professor and is grant funded.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain transgenic mouse colonies under supervision: Mice breeding handling ear tagging drug delivery via intraperitoneal intramuscular or subcutaneous injections genotyping (obtain tail snips and perform PCR analyses) and accurate maintenance of colony records.
• Cell culture maintenance under supervision: Generation propagation and maintenance of sterile cell cultures and intestinal organoids performing basic in vitro experiments including but not limited to harvesting splitting and freezing cells drug delivery to cultures protein and RNA extractions.
• Competently perform standard molecular biology techniques (western blot gel electrophoresis RT-PCR qPCR chromatin immunoprecipitations immunohistochemistry molecular cloning etc.) under faculty supervision.
• Graph analyze and evaluate generated data and contribute to abstract submissions and poster preparation.
• Maintain an accurate lab notebook and assist with trouble-shooting technical issues.
• Assist in literature searches for protocol development and optimization.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of lab lab equipment and supplies.
• Adhere to laboratory safety and regulatory procedures and maintain lab chemical inventory.
• Obtain quotes and perform ordering and receiving duties for lab supplies.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular predictable in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelors degree in biological sciences related field from an accredited college is required. 0-2 years of relevant research experience is required. Previous laboratory skills including experience with fluorescence microscopy and molecular biology techniques including western blot PCR and cell and tissue culture maintenance are all desired. Previous experience training students is desired.

This individual must have some schedule flexibility and be willing to occasionally work late hours weekends and potential overtime. Must be willing to work with animal and human cell lines.

Computer Skills:

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word Excel PowerPoint) required. Experience with statistics graphing and imaging software is preferred. Experience using data acquisition systems/equipment as well as data processing is desired. Computer programming skills are desired.

Physical Requirements:

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This individual is frequently required to stand walk sit use hands to finger handle or feel reach with hands and arms talk and hear. This individual is occasionally required to climb or balance stoop kneel or crouch. This individual is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Close and distance vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes ability to distinguish depth and shades of grey scale.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts be exposed to fumes or airborne particles toxic or caustic chemicals risk of electric shock radiation and vibration. 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 withall federal state and local laws and regulations. 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.

Required Experience:

Junior IC