Summary

The Glendale campus of Midwestern University is currently seeking a Research Assistant to work in the Department of Physiology. The selected candidate will provide both administrative and technical support to research faculty by coordinating and performing the day-to-day operations of research laboratories. This work will include maintaining laboratory equipment, training students, animal handling, imaging techniques, tissue sectioning, western blot, PCR, and other tasks as needed. Prior experience in any or all of these is desirable.  Work is performed under the direct supervision by the PI and alongside other research assistants and graduate students. This position reports to the Chair of the Physiology Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs wide variety of standard research procedures


• Data management and recordkeeping, including analysis and figure creation


• Ability to work with animals and animal tissues


• Adhere to standard laboratory safety protocols


• Involved in standard maintenance of the lab


• Obtains quotes and performs ordering and receiving duties of lab supplies


• Contributes to abstract submissions and poster preparation


• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner with regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience                                            

A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in physiology or biological sciences related field is required.  Prior bench-work lab experience is preferred.  Must be able to work independent after an initial training period with the ability to meet deadlines. 

Computer Skills                                           

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) along with a willingness to learn other programs.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee is regularly required to walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste and smell.  The employee is frequently required to stand, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision correctable to 20/40 in one eye.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

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, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). 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.