Research Assistant- IL- Physiology

Midwestern University • Downers Grove, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Physiology at Midwestern University’s Downers Grove campus is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, and scientifically curious Research Assistant to support faculty research. The role assists with the design and execution of animal-, cellular-, and human-based research projects; data collection and analysis; and preparation of figures for manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed publications. The position reports to the Chair of the Department of Physiology.

The Research Assistant supports transgenic mouse colony management, cell culture and intestinal organoid work, molecular biology procedures, and collection and analysis of human physiological and cognitive data. The role also contributes to abstracts and posters, maintains laboratory records and supplies, and follows laboratory safety and regulatory procedures. A bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences-related field is required. The position requires regular, predictable in-person attendance, a flexible schedule, and occasional late hours, weekends, and potentially overtime.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences-related field from an accredited college.
• Experience working with laboratory mice.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Regular, predictable, in-person attendance.
• Flexible schedule and willingness to occasionally work late hours, weekends, and potentially overtime.
• Willingness to work with animal and human cell lines.

Nice To Haves

• Previous laboratory skills, including fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including western blot, PCR, and cell and tissue culture maintenance.
• Previous experience training students.
• Experience with statistics, graphing, and imaging software.
• Experience using data acquisition systems and equipment, as well as data processing.
• Computer programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain transgenic mouse colonies under faculty supervision, including breeding, handling, ear tagging, drug delivery by injection, genotyping, and accurate colony records.
• Generate, propagate, and maintain sterile cell cultures and intestinal organoids under faculty supervision.
• Perform basic in vitro experiments, including harvesting, splitting, and freezing cells; delivering drugs to cultures; and extracting protein and RNA.
• Perform standard molecular biology techniques under faculty supervision, including western blotting, gel electrophoresis, RT-PCR, qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitations, immunohistochemistry, and molecular cloning.
• Use specialized computer software to collect and analyze human physiological (cardio-pulmonary) and cognitive data under faculty supervision.
• Graph, analyze, and evaluate data, and contribute to abstract submissions and poster preparation.
• Maintain an accurate laboratory notebook and assist with troubleshooting technical issues.
• Conduct literature searches to support protocol development and optimization.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the laboratory, equipment, and supplies.
• Follow laboratory safety and regulatory procedures and maintain the laboratory chemical inventory.
• Obtain quotes and perform ordering and receiving duties for laboratory supplies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Pet insurance
• Flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care accounts
• Competitive time-off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Child care subsidy reimbursement program
• Identity theft protection
• Employee assistance program
• On-site wellness facility with a fully equipped fitness facility

What This Job Offers

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