Research Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $18.56 - $21.51 per hour depending on experience and qualifications

Position Summary

The Center for Genetic Diseases at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences invites applications for a full-time Research Assistant position in the laboratory of Dr. Jong-Sun Lee. The Lee laboratory employs molecular, cellular, biochemical approaches to investigate the mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs drives age-associated diseases, such as cancer. The Research Assistant will conduct supervised research and provide support to other researchers in the lab in a highly collaborative and supportive environment. This position offers a highly motivated candidate an excellent opportunity for career development and to expand their skill set to include techniques such as CRISPR-based genomic screening and molecular interaction assays.

The annual salary range is $36,000 - $40,000, depending on education and experience, and is accompanied by a generous benefits package, which includes: medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation/ paid leave, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays.

Interested applicants must provide a resume/CV with a list of three potential references, and a cover letter highlighting any relevant experiences or skills in order to be considered. Application review will begin immediately and be conducted on a rolling basis.

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, a national leader in interprofessional medical and healthcare education, is a graduate-level health sciences university situated on an attractive 85-acre campus in North Chicago, Illinois, approximately 40 miles north of the city of Chicago and 50 miles south of Milwaukee. The University encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups underrepresented in their field and those that can add new and valuable perspectives to the academic environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Lab Management:

• Assist in managing the laboratory, including monitoring and ordering general supplies.
• Prepare and monitor buffer solutions and other reagents.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized lab environment.

2. Training and Support:

• Assist in training new lab members in standard techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, as well as cell culture methods.
• Provide technical support to other lab members as needed.

3. Research and Experimentation:

• Conduct experiments to advance the lab’s scientific objectives, following established protocols.
• Develop an independent research project under with guidance, aligning with the lab’s objectives.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records of experiments and results.
• Present research findings in lab meetings and prepare data for publications, if applicable.
• Contribute to a collaborative research environment by assisting other lab members with their projects.
• Assist in data analysis and help maintain shared lab resources and databases.

4. Lab Operations:

• Organize and maintain lab supplies and equipment to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Perform routine maintenance of lab equipment and troubleshoot as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and safety regulations.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy

Required Education & Experience

Applicants should have a B.S. degree in biology, biochemistry, or related fields.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Applicants should have basic laboratory skills and proficiency in computer programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Applicants should be self-motivated and possess excellent organizational and time management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with RNA biology is a plus.

Experience with molecular or cellular biology techniques, and cell culture is a plus.

Prior knowledge or experience in bioinformatics is a strong asset.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets