On-Call, Junior Research Assistant

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

3d•$25•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

Basic understanding of the following: laboratory safety; principles of protein/peptide biochemistry, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, and kinetics; 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.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or closely aligned field prefered.
2 years of laboratory research experience required.

Responsibilities

Assist in the expression, purification, and analysis of proteins
Clone genes into suitable protein expression DNA vectors.
Express various proteins in E. coli using sterile technique.
Purify proteins using chromatography and a fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) system.
Perform gel electrophoresis during routine quality control and aid in troubleshooting protein expression/purification issues.
Perform peptide synthesis using a peptide synthesizer.
Characterize proteins using advanced instrumentation including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
Analyze and process MALDI-MS data to generate figures for presentations and publications.
Execute routine troubleshooting and maintenance of commonly used instrumentation in the laboratory under the council of laboratory management staff and/or service representatives.
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 at the request of the PI.
Proofread grant proposals and manuscripts produced by the PI.
Prepare drafts of various manuscript and grant sections, figures, tables, and presentations for associated research projects.
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 via the university portal.
Remedy minor safety code infractions within the laboratory in accordance with university policy.
Write standard operating procedure (SOP) documents to train new lab members and execute routine laboratory procedures safely.
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.
Identifies and determines the causes of problems; researches, develops, and presents recommendations for improvement of established practices.
Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools.
Researches and develops resources that support timely and efficient workflow.
Maintains contact with PI and solicits feedback for improved work.
Prepares progress reports, informs PI of project status and deviation from timeline. Ensures completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational functions.
Prepares and submits written and/or oral reports as requested and required.
Develops and implements SOPs to support laboratory functions.
Other duties as assigned