On-Call, Junior Research Assistant

Position Title:

Position Type:

Hiring Range:

$25.05 per hour

Pay Frequency:

A. POSITION PURPOSE 

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. 

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Assist in the expression, purification, and analysis of proteins 

• Clone genes into suitable protein expression DNA vectors.  

• Express various proteins in

• Purify proteins using chromatography and a fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) 
• system. 

• Perform gel electrophoresis during routine quality control and aid in troubleshooting 
• protein expression/purification issues. 

• Perform peptide synthesis using a peptide synthesizer. 

• Characterize proteins using advanced instrumentation including matrix-assisted laser 
• desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). 

• Analyze and process MALDI-MS data to generate figures for presentations and  

publications. 

• Execute routine troubleshooting and maintenance of commonly used instrumentation 
• in the laboratory under the council of laboratory management staff and/or service  

representatives.

• Prepare standard laboratory buffers and media. 

• Perform various cell assays using immortalized cell lines using sterile technique.
• Maintain clear, detailed laboratory notebooks (using a digital format) with experimental 
• procedures, calculations, and data.  

2. Writing support 

• Conduct searches of the primary scientific literature and summarize findings at the 
• request of the PI. 

• Proofread grant proposals and manuscripts produced by the PI. 

• Prepare drafts of various manuscript and grant sections, figures, tables, and 
• presentations for associated research projects. 

3. Laboratory support 

• Prepare sterile stock solutions and growth media. 

• Wash and autoclave glassware. 

• Maintain lab equipment. 

• Maintain lab in general state of cleanliness and order. 

• Maintain lab electronic resources and data. 

• Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables.

4. Maintenance of laboratory safety 

• Execute and report regular online laboratory safety inspections via the university 
• portal. 

• Remedy minor safety code infractions within the laboratory in accordance with 
• university policy. 

• Write standard operating procedure (SOP) documents to train new lab members and 
• execute routine laboratory procedures safely. 

• Monitor hazardous and biohazardous waste accumulation. 

5. Other duties as assigned 

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION  

Ensures that undergraduate student researchers maintain a safe laboratory environment and  adhere to standard laboratory procedures. Trains undergraduate student researchers in standard  laboratory practices and procedures. 

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES  

1. Identifies and determines the causes of problems; researches, develops, and presents  recommendations for improvement of established practices. 

2. Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools. 

3. Researches and develops resources that support timely and efficient workflow. 4. Maintains contact with PI and solicits feedback for improved work. 

5. Prepares progress reports, informs PI of project status and deviation from timeline. Ensures  completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational functions. 

6. Prepares and submits written and/or oral reports as requested and required. 7. Develops and implements SOPs to support laboratory functions.

E. QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The  items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or  preferred.  

This position requires the 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. 

1. Knowledge 

• Basic understanding of the following: laboratory safety; principles of protein/peptide 
• biochemistry, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, and kinetics; principles of molecular  

biology and microbiology. 

2. Skills  

• Bacterial and cell culture using sterile technique. 

• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials 

• Protein expression in

• 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, but not limited to: micropipettes, gel 
• electrophoresis, centrifuges, autoclave, and cell culture incubators. 

• Searching and critical reading of primary literature. 

• Scientific writing and figure generation. 

3. Abilities 

• Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations. 

• Work independently. 

• Work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary research team while providing regular 
• progress reports to the PI and lab members. 

• Keep detailed records of work completed in digital laboratory notebook. 

4. Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or closely aligned field prefered.

5. Years of Experience 

• 2 years of laboratory research experience required. 

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an  employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the  Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and  all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with  disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other  requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or  without reasonable accommodation. 

• Considerable time is spent performing hands-on work at a laboratory bench.
• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.  

• May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus. 

• May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out of-state locations. 

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee  encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

• Typical biochemistry laboratory environments, including handling hazardous chemicals 
• and biohazardous materials. 

• Indoor laboratory environment with windows. 

• Offices and laboratory with equipment noise. 

• Offices and laboratory with frequent interruptions.

EEO Statement​

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer.  For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/policies-reports/

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender, and prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally.Information about Title IX can be found atwww.scu.edu/title-ix.Inquiries can also be made to the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).   

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to the Campus Safety Services  website . To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disability Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources, and 408-554-5750 and request to speak to Indu Ahluwalia by phone at 408-554-5750 or by email at iahluwalia@scu.edu.

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.