Research Associate

$66,560 - $66,560/Yr

Chapman University - Chapman, NE

Full-time

Chapman, NE

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Associate position at Chapman University is a full-time role that requires a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or Pharmacy with a molecular biology emphasis, or equivalent research skills and subject matter knowledge. The successful candidate will work under general supervision and is expected to demonstrate high productivity and reproducible technical skills in various laboratory techniques. These include mouse physiological assessments, mouse surgery, cell culture techniques, Western Blotting, DNA/RNA extraction and PCR, gene transfection, protein purification, and Immunofluorescence/Immunohistochemistry. The role demands a detail-oriented and self-motivated individual who is proficient in computer usage for high-volume research and data record maintenance. In this position, the Research Associate will conduct independent research experiments while also collaborating with the Principal Investigator and other faculty members with similar research interests. The candidate will be responsible for presenting data in weekly laboratory seminars after conducting independent analyses and will also contribute to writing methodologies and results for manuscripts and grant preparations. Additionally, the Research Associate will provide training to undergraduate students and oversee their day-to-day research activities. The role involves a variety of responsibilities, including performing mouse handling, blood collection, behavior analysis, and organ dissection, as well as maintaining mammalian cell lines and performing various molecular biology techniques. The Research Associate will also be tasked with maintaining accurate records of all experimental studies, ensuring the laboratory is well-equipped, and contributing to the development of research documentation for publication and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research experiments independently and in consultation with supervisor.
• Perform mouse handling, tattooing, tail sampling, and genotyping.
• Determine mouse body temperature (rectal thermometry).
• Perform mouse blood collection, mouse behavior analysis, mouse organ dissection, thyroidectomy and mouse brain sectioning.
• Prepare technical reports, papers, graphs and/or records and provides interpretations.
• Perform PCR, Western blot, ELISA, immunostaining, immunohistochemistry, and other techniques of molecular biology as needed.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines, perform transfections, and collect samples.
• Perform bacterial transformation and plasmid purification.
• Histology sample preparation, confocal microscopy, data analysis, and presentation.
• Collaborate with other faculty with similar research interests on this topic.
• Maintain and update record of all experimental studies.
• Store all biochemical data in digital format on computers and back up regularly.
• Consult and assist Principal Investigator.
• Work alongside Principal Investigator to determine method, details, and means of performing the experiments.
• Furnish regular updates to Principal Investigator.
• Ensure the facility is well equipped with all necessary tools to conduct research.
• Place request orders for equipment and lab supplies.
• Use equipment and laboratory space accordingly to work contract.
• Contribute to the development of research documentation for publication and/or presentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ph.D in the field of Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or Pharmacy with molecular biology emphasis or its equivalent in research skill and subject matter knowledge.
• Proven experience working with rodents, and genotyping rodents.
• Proven practical experience with techniques of molecular biology.
• Working experience with cell lines and/or primary culture.
• Proficient in research methods, testing and data collection, analysis, evaluation, report writing, independent discretion and judgment.
• Knowledge of research and experimental methods as issued by Institutional Research Boards.
• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize and handle multiple complex tasks independently.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment and maintain a safe working environment.
• Ability to conduct research in a timely manner and document all data.
• Strong writing skills and computational knowledge.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, investigators and other research staff.
• Ability to work alone and/or with student (or laboratory) assistants.