Research Assistant- AZ- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Summary: A grant funded Research Assistant position is available in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics on the Glendale campus of Midwestern University.

The laboratory studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying prion diseases and other more common neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

The successful candidate will contribute to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to advance the research program of the lab.

This role involves meeting with the Principal Investigator to review experiments and oversee laboratory operations.

The Research Assistant will regularly interact with students, faculty, and staff both within and outside the lab.

The position operates under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). The position will include the following duties: * Performs wide variety of standard research procedures with supervision and following established procedures and protocols.

* Tracks results, compiles data using appropriate formats and graphs and analyzes data with training and supervision.

* Keeps an accurate lab notebook.

* Adheres to laboratory safety procedures.

* Involved in standard maintenance of the lab.

* Obtains quotes and performs ordering and receiving duties for lab supplies.

* Organizes and maintains supply and stocks adequate lab items.

* Contributes to abstract submissions and poster preparation.

* Maintains mouse colony and tissue cultures for experiments with training and supervision.

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 Bachelor's degree in life sciences (biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field) from a four-year college or university is required.

0-2 years of previous research-related experience is required.

Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and multitasking abilities and be able to work well both independently and as part of a team.

Ability to learn and train others in laboratory techniques is essential.

Prior experience in microbial and tissue culture, protein biochemistry, molecular biology techniques, and animal handling is especially encouraged.

Computer Skills Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). 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 occasionally required to sit.

The employee is regularly required to walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste and smell.

The employee is frequently required to stand, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.

The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision correctable to 20/40 in one eye.

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 may occasionally be required to work near moving mechanical parts and may occasionally be 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 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.

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.