Research Assistant- AZ- Microbiology & Immunology

Research Assistant- AZ
- Microbiology & Immunology

Join to apply for the Research Assistant- AZ
- Microbiology & Immunology role at Midwestern University

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is currently seeking a Research Assistant to provide technical support to research faculty and graduate students and to support the microbiology teaching laboratories. This position reports to the Chair of the Department.

• Provide and maintain laboratory technical support
• Perform a wide variety of research procedures with some supervision
• Provide assistance on the use of specialized software and equipment
• Obtain quotes and handle all incoming laboratory orders
• Order laboratory class supplies, chemicals and equipment
• Assist in preparation, setup, and performance of student laboratory exercises
• Provide instruction as necessary to students
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety procedures and protocols
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of chemical/biohazardous waste
• Support faculty researchers
• Assist in performing experiments for various research projects
• Perform experiments involving laboratory animals, including handling and in vivo procedures
• Assist with literature searches
• Graph and analyze data with some supervision
• Keep an accurate lab notebook
• Communicate updates about the status of research projects
• Manage and organize research supplies and assist in maintenance of equipment
• Assist the faculty in supervising students working in the lab
• Provide assistance to research students
• Assist faculty with abstract and poster submissions
• Other duties may be assigned

Experience and proficiency in at least three of these skills is greatly preferred:

• Knowledge of aseptic techniques
• Propagation and isolation of bacterial & fungal cultures
• Polymerase chain reaction for amplification of DNA
• Cloning of DNA into expression vectors
• Protein expression and purification
• Mammalian cell culture
• Experience in microscopy

• Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Education:
  
  A Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences (Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field) is required. 0-2 years of previous research related experience is required. Experience working with laboratory animals (e.g., handling, or in vivo procedures) is highly desirable. Familiarity with institutional animal care and use protocols (IACUC) is an asset.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) is expected. Familiarity with statistical and/or graphical software is desired.
• Physical Demands:
  Regularly required to sit, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision correctable to 20/40 in one eye.
• Work Environment:
  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.

Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulation.

Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.