Research Assistant- AZ- Physiology

Midwestern University • Glendale, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Midwestern University – Glendale campus invites applications for a Research Assistant position in the Department of Physiology within the College of Graduate Studies. This position supports a grant-funded research program in reproductive physiology and toxicology focused on the effects of environmental chemicals on reproductive function. This is a full-time, grant-funded position, and continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant support. The work schedule may vary between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Research Assistant will play a central role in in vivo mouse-based research, with primary responsibility for the management and experimental use of mouse models. This includes maintaining and overseeing mouse colonies, coordinating breeding strategies, performing animal handling and sample collection, and ensuring compliance with all animal care and use protocols. In addition to animal work, the Research Assistant will provide technical and administrative support for daily laboratory operations, assist with molecular and cellular experiments, train students, and contribute to data collection, analysis, and preparation of research outputs. The position operates under the direct supervision of a faculty member in the Physiology department and involves regular interaction with students and research staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in physiology or a related field is required.
• 0–2 years of relevant research experience is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness, perform duties safely, and maintain regular, predictable in-person attendance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with mouse models is strongly preferred, including handling, breeding, colony maintenance, and sample collection.
• Familiarity with animal research protocols and regulatory compliance (e.g., IACUC) is preferred.
• Experience with GraphPad or other statistical analysis software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform research procedures in support of ongoing experimental studies under the direction of the Principal Investigator or senior lab member.
• Lead all aspects of mouse colony management, including breeding strategy design, genotyping coordination, recordkeeping, and maintenance of colony health and productivity.
• Conduct in vivo mouse experiments, including animal handling, dosing, tissue collection, and necropsy in accordance with approved IACUC protocols.
• Execute experimental procedures using mouse models to investigate reproductive physiology and toxicology endpoints, including coordination of timed matings and developmental studies.
• Ensure strict adherence to institutional animal care and use guidelines, maintaining compliance with all regulatory and safety standards.
• Assist with molecular and cellular laboratory techniques (e.g., RNA/protein extraction, qPCR, histology, immunohistochemistry) using tissues derived from mouse studies.
• Support data collection, management, and analysis; assist in preparation of figures, abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
• Train and mentor students in mouse handling, colony management, and laboratory techniques, as well as safety procedures and proper recordkeeping.
• Maintain accurate laboratory and animal records, including colony databases, experimental logs, and regulatory documentation.
• Maintain organization of laboratory space, equipment, and supplies; coordinate procurement of laboratory and animal-related materials.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to team-based research activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• life insurance
• short/long term disability
• pet insurance
• flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account
• 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
• wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility

What This Job Offers

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