Laboratory Research Assistant

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Job description

Department

CHEMISTRY (BL-CHEM-IUBLA)

Department Information

Faculty and staff in the Department of Chemistry are committed to developing students' understanding of science and problem-solving skills and preparing them for careers in science and the health professions.

The Department of Chemistry is a part of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University and offers a variety of outstanding employment opportunities such as academics, scientist positions, laboratory technicians, administrative and information technology support, fiscal services and purchasing, technical services (machinists, electronics, glass blowers), student and teaching services, and much more. Each and every individual in every role is integral to the success of the educational and research mission of the department, the College, and Indiana University as a whole.

Job Summary

The Laboratory Research Assistant role is to support laboratory research efforts in the Douglas Lab. This position will work under the supervision of a Research Associate in the Douglas Lab.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Maintains the lab chemical inventory; perform plasmid preparations; perform routine laboratory duties including cleaning glassware, making stock buffers and reagents, autoclaving, and general lab support.
• Expected to genetically modify, express, and purify recombinant proteins from an E. Coli system.
• Maintain the lab DNA plasmid library.
• Follows detailed protocols to genetically modify, express, purify (ultracentrifugation/FPLC) and characterize (gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy) recombinant proteins.
• Maintains DNA plasmid library, glycerol stocks of cultures, and purified protein stocks for the lab.
• Maintains daily research log in a laboratory notebook.
• Analyzes research results; troubleshoot issues; amend experiments as needed.
• Presents experiments/data at laboratory group meetings and be involved with discussions.
• Cleans glassware and maintain laboratory work areas.
• Organizes/documents the lab chemical inventory.
• Makes buffers and reagents for the lab.
• Fills and autoclaves pipette tip boxes.

General Responsibilities

• Responsible for the initiation, monitoring, completion, and reporting of routine to moderately complex research studies.
• Organizes and implements data review and analysis.
• Oversees the proper handling of laboratory specimens including processes, shipping, storage, and documentation and transfer to designated central laboratories.
• Conducts data quality assurance practices.
• Prepares research summaries and assists in progress report development.
• Maintains laboratory work areas and supply inventory.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree in science or health-related discipline

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology) or associate degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred

• 1 year of experience in a laboratory setting

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Highly thorough and dependable

Preferred

• Knowledge of/experience with basic techniques: gene modification and cloning, bacterial growth, protein purification/characterization, size exclusion and affinity chromatography (FLPC)

Working Conditions / Demands

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

The position is a term-limited position in place for up to 2 years or until funding is exhausted.

Work Location

Bloomington, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$17.00-$22.00 per hour

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Intermediate

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Laboratory Research
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Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University's Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at or by visiting IUPD.

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