Research Assistant

Pay: The hourly salary range is $19.66 to $21.37, depending on education and experience.

Position Summary

The Center for Genetic Diseases at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences invites applications for a part-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.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science offers a comprehensive selection of quality benefits to our eligible part time employees (regularly scheduled between 18.5 and 30 hours/week). The university offers four medical plans, a dental plan, a vision plan, flexible spending accounts, a Health Savings Account (if enrolled in a HDHP) and an extremely attractive retirement plan. Except for the retirement plans, all benefits are effective the first of the month following your date of hire. With the exception of the retirement plans, employees may enroll within thirty days from date of hire or during an Open Enrollment period.

While this position is not eligible for our regular employee benefits, all RFU employees are eligible to accrue personal leave at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked per year. All RFU employees are also eligible to make unmatched contributions to voluntary supplemental pre-tax and post-tax retirement plans.

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 Dr. Lee 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 the guidance of Dr. Lee, 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