On-Call, Junior Research Assistant

Santa Clara University • Santa Clara, CA

6d • 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 preferred.
• 0-3 years of laboratory research experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Considerable time is spent performing hands-on work at a laboratory bench.
• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
• May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.

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.

Benefits

• Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level