Research Assistant- IL- Pharmacology - Downers Grove, Illinois, , United States

The Research Assistant provides essential research support to Department of Pharmacology faculty.  The successful candidate will contribute to the design and execution of research experiments, data collection and analysis, and the preparation of figures, presentations, and manusc ...

Job description

The Research Assistant provides essential research support to Department of Pharmacology faculty.  The successful candidate will contribute to the design and execution of research experiments, data collection and analysis, and the preparation of figures, presentations, and manuscripts based on the research findings. This position reports directly to the Pharmacology faculty and will work under their supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proficiency in standard research procedures in biochemical analysis (e.g. Western blotting, qRT-PCR, Immunohistochemistry)
• Proficiency in propagation of mammalian primary cells and cell lines using sterile/aseptic technique
• Proficiency in the handling of rodent models (mice and rats) and performing drug administration and tissue dissection and harvesting
• Provides supervision and guidance to students conducting research in the lab
• Assists faculty with troubleshooting and problem-solving solutions to technical problems
• Assists in the development of new protocols
• Graphs and analyzes data
• Performs literature searches for protocols and literature reviews for publication preparation
• Maintains an accurate lab notebook
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness, repair, and organization of the laboratory
• Responsible for ordering equipment and supplies
• Responsible for the maintenance of scientific equipment which includes working with service representatives concerning equipment maintenance
• Responsible for the handling, recordkeeping and disposals of all hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials according to institutional guidelines
• Adherence to laboratory safety procedures
• Contributes to abstract submissions and poster preparation
• Other duties as assigned. 

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.  Must have regular, predictable, in-person attendance.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Other requirements:

• Must have schedule flexibility and be willing to occasionally work late hours or weekends. 
• Must be willing to work with human cell lines. 
• Must be willing to work with hazardous chemicals.
• Must be willing to work with rodents.

Education and/or Experience:

A Bachelor's degree in the Biological Sciences or Chemistry and 0-2 years of previous laboratory experience are required.  Experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques is highly desirable.

Computer Skills:

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) required. Experience with Statistics, Graphing and Image software is beneficial.

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

Ability to lift 20 lbs.; vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes; ability to distinguish depth; hearing correctable to normal; ability to tolerate prolonged standing and sitting; use of fingers, hands and arms; unrestricted movement of upper and lower extremities for bending, stretching, reaching, walking and pushing; ability to bend over and touch knees; and ability to tolerate repeated routine 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. Individuals will occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and the risk of radiation. Individuals will be regularly exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. 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 6,000 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 holiday's, 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 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.