Junior Research Assistant

Santa Clara University • Santa Clara, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

To assist in the data acquisition and data analysis of experimental laboratory research under the direction of Associate Professor Grace Stokes, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

Requirements

• Basic understanding of working safely in a chemical laboratory, principles of chemical reactivity, stoichiometry, nonlinear laser spectroscopy, and analysis of organic molecules.
• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis.
• Use of routine laboratory equipment, including balances and micropipettes.
• Searching and critical reading of the scientific literature.
• Basic scientific writing.
• Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations.
• Work independently.
• Work cooperatively as part of a research team, including regular progress reports to supervisor and other members of the laboratory.
• Keep detailed records of work in laboratory notebook.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or closely aligned field required.
• 0-3 years of laboratory research experience required.
• Ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the Characterization of the Interfacial Properties of Organic Molecules: Conduct second harmonic generation isotherm experiments using high-powered nanosecond laser, Prepare buffer solutions, Prepare lipid bilayers and monolayers using vesicle fusion and Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaefer techniques, Prepare stock and dilute solutions of organic molecules (peptoids and drugs) of varying concentrations in organic solvent and aqueous buffers, Analyze and process spectroscopic and thermodynamic data to generate plots and figures, Execute routine troubleshooting of commonly used instrumentation in the laboratory by interfacing with laboratory management staff and/or service representatives.
• Writing Support: Conduct searches of the scientific literature at the request of the supervisor and summarize findings, including posting articles to online repositories, Prepare bibliographies for and proofread grant proposals and research articles produced by the supervisor.
• Chemical and Consumables Ordering: Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables, and place orders with vendors to replenish these as needed.
• Maintenance of Laboratory Safety: Execute and report regular online laboratory safety inspections via the university portal, Remedy minor safety code infractions within the laboratory, Write standard operating procedure protocol documents to train new students to execute routine laboratory procedures safely and reproducibly.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level