On-Call, Junior Research Assistant

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

14d•$25 - $30•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 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 micropipettes, gel electrophoresis, centrifuges, autoclave, and cell culture incubators.
Searching and critical reading of primary literature.
Scientific writing and figure generation.
Ability to understand and follow laboratory safety regulations.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary research team while providing regular progress reports to the PI and lab members.
Ability to keep detailed records of work completed in a digital laboratory notebook.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or closely aligned field preferred.
0-3 years of laboratory research experience required.
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, analyzing and processing MALDI-MS data, executing routine troubleshooting and maintenance of instrumentation, preparing standard laboratory buffers and media, performing cell assays, and maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks.
Provide writing support, including conducting literature searches and summarizing findings, proofreading grant proposals and manuscripts, and preparing drafts of manuscript and grant sections, figures, tables, and presentations.
Provide laboratory support, including preparing sterile stock solutions and growth media, washing and autoclaving glassware, maintaining lab equipment, maintaining lab cleanliness and order, maintaining lab electronic resources and data, and keeping an inventory of chemicals and consumables.
Ensure maintenance of laboratory safety by executing and reporting safety inspections, remedying safety infractions, writing standard operating procedure (SOP) documents, and monitoring hazardous waste accumulation.
Other duties as assigned.