Position Title:

Junior Research Assistant

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$20.54 - $22.16 per hour

Pay Frequency:

Hourly

JOB DESCRIPTION 

                                                         STAFF

Chemistry & Biochemistry

A.POSITION PURPOSE

To assist in the data acquisition and data analysis of experimental laboratory research under the direction of Associate Professor Grace Stokes, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

B.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 

1.Assist in the Characterization of the Interfacial Properties of Organic Molecules

• Conduct second harmonic generation isotherm experiments using high-powered nanosecond laser
• Prepare buffer solutions
• Prepare lipid bilayers and monolayers using vesicle fusion and Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaefer techniques
• Prepare stock and dilute solutions of organic molecules (peptoids and drugs) of varying concentrations in organic solvent and aqueous buffers
• Analyze and process spectroscopic and thermodynamic data to generate plots and figures.
• Execute routine troubleshooting of commonly used instrumentation in the laboratory by interfacing with laboratory management staff and/or service representatives.

2.Writing Support

• Conduct searches of the scientific literature at the request of the supervisor and summarize findings, including posting articles to online repositories.
• Prepare bibliographies for and proofread grant proposals and research articles produced by the supervisor.

3.Chemical and Consumables Ordering

• Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables, and place orders with vendors to replenish these as needed.

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.
• Write standard operating procedure protocol documents to train new students to execute routine laboratory procedures safely and reproducibly.

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.

D.   GENERAL GUIDELINES

Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices. Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools. Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.  Prepares progress reports, informs supervisor of project status and deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions. Prepares and submits written or oral reports as requested and required. Develops and implements standard operating procedures to support the functions of the laboratory.
 

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.

1.Knowledge

• Basic understanding of the following: working safely in a chemical laboratory,  principles of chemical reactivity, stoichiometry, nonlinear laser spectroscopy,  and analysis of organic molecules

2.Skills

• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis.
• Use of routine laboratory equipment, including balances and micropipettes.
• Searching and critical reading of the scientific literature.
• Basic scientific writing.

3.Abilities

• Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations.
• Work independently.
• Work cooperatively as part of a research team, including regular progress reports to supervisor and other members of the laboratory.
• Keep detailed records of work in laboratory notebook

4.Education

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

5.Years of Experience

• 0-3 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 doing hands-on work at a laboratory bench or fume hood.
• 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 conferences and/or 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.

• Chemistry laboratory environment, including handling hazardous chemicals.
• Indoor laboratory environment with windows.
• Office and laboratory with equipment noise.
• Office and laboratory with frequent interruptions.

EEO Statement

​Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. 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. The Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is Jenna Elliott, Interim Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 408-551-3043, jrelliot@scu.edu , www.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.

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.