Research Specialist- IL- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

Summary

The Research Specialist provides research support to the Velez-Cruz laboratory for a NIH-NCI funded project under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). The Research Specialist is expected to assist in the training of students, design and execution of research experiments, collection and analysis of data, generation of figures and presentations for the collected data, and revising manuscripts that involves these data. This position reports to the Principal Investigator. This is a grant funded position and continued employment is contingent upon sufficient funding of the grant.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Competently performs standard research procedures in cell and molecular biology (western blot, RT-PCR, qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitations, setting up and harvesting of human cell lines, RNA & DNA purification, molecular cloning, etc.) under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI)
• Provides direction and guidance to students conducting research in the lab
• Assists PI with trouble-shooting and problem-solving solutions to technical problems
• Assists in the development of new protocols
• Graphs and analyzes data
• Performs literature searches for protocols and approaches
• Keeps an accurate lab notebook
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness, repair, and organization of lab
• Responsible for recordkeeping, maintenance and disposal associated with lab equipment and chemicals
• Adheres to laboratory safety procedures
• Maintains chemical control sheets
• Obtains quotes and performs ordering and receiving duties for lab supplies
• Performs course-related activities as assigned
• Contributes to abstract submissions and poster preparation
  
  

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 essential functions.

Education And/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences related field with at least 3-5 years of relevant research related experience is required or a research thesis-based Master’s degree in biological sciences related field with at least 2 years’ full time relevant laboratory work experience. Previous experience training students is desired. Previous laboratory skills including experience with fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology techniques including western blot, PCR, and cell culture are all preferred.

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 human cell lines.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required. Experience with Statistics, Graphing and Imaging software is preferred.

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.

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 crouch or crawl, taste or smell. 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 accommodations 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 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, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). 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.