On-Call, Junior Research Assistant

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

To assist in the data acquisition and analysis of experimental laboratory research under the direction of Associate Professor Ian Carter-O’Connell, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or closely aligned field preferred.
2 years of laboratory research experience required.
Basic understanding of laboratory safety.
Basic understanding of principles of protein/peptide biochemistry, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
Basic understanding of principles of molecular biology and microbiology.
Bacterial and cell culture using sterile technique.
Safe handling of hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials.
Protein expression in E. coli.
Protein purification using affinity and size-exclusion chromatography.
Gene cloning using PCR and standard molecular biology techniques.
Gel electrophoresis.
Spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis.
MALDI-MS data acquisition and analysis.
Use of routine laboratory equipment, including, but not limited to: micropipettes, gel electrophoresis, centrifuges, autoclave, and cell culture incubators.
Searching and critical reading of primary literature.
Scientific writing and figure generation.
Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations.
Work independently.
Work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary research team while providing regular progress reports to the PI and lab members.
Keep detailed records of work completed in digital laboratory notebook.
Ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or closely aligned field.

Responsibilities

Assist in the expression, purification, and analysis of proteins, including cloning genes, expressing proteins in E. coli, purifying proteins using chromatography and FPLC, performing gel electrophoresis, performing peptide synthesis, characterizing proteins using MALDI-MS, and analyzing MALDI-MS data.
Execute routine troubleshooting and maintenance of commonly used instrumentation in the laboratory.
Prepare standard laboratory buffers and media.
Perform various cell assays using immortalized cell lines using sterile technique.
Maintain clear, detailed laboratory notebooks (using a digital format) with experimental procedures, calculations, and data.
Conduct searches of the primary scientific literature and summarize findings.
Proofread grant proposals and manuscripts.
Prepare drafts of manuscript and grant sections, figures, tables, and presentations.
Prepare sterile stock solutions and growth media.
Wash and autoclave glassware.
Maintain lab equipment.
Maintain lab in general state of cleanliness and order.
Maintain lab electronic resources and data.
Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables.
Execute and report regular online laboratory safety inspections.
Remedy minor safety code infractions within the laboratory.
Write standard operating procedure (SOP) documents.
Monitor hazardous and biohazardous waste accumulation.
Ensures that undergraduate student researchers maintain a safe laboratory environment and adhere to standard laboratory procedures.
Trains undergraduate student researchers in standard laboratory practices and procedures.