Pay rate : $17 - $22 an hour, depending on skills and qualifications
Position Summary
The laboratory of Dr. FabioRe in the Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Research Assistant. The focus of the lab is innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction. We use mouse model of bacterial infection to investigate mechanisms of activation of the inflammasome, complement, and B1 cells.
Interested applicants should submit: (1) Statement of interest describing relevant skills and how this position will contribute to career goals; (2) CV; and (3) contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Our generous benefits package 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/ personal leave, 15 sick days, and 9 paid holidays, paid winter break, plus two floating holidays.
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
Laboratory Operations
Maintain laboratory inventory and order supplies.
Ensure lab cleanliness, adherence to safety standards, and proper waste disposal.
Experimental Support
Prepare media, reagents, and buffers.
Maintain mammalian cell cultures under sterile conditions.
Perform immunological and molecular assays including flow cytometry, ELISA, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and Western blotting.
Maintain accurate experimental records and results.
Assist in data analysis and visualization for publication.
Contribute to a collaborative and conducive research environment.
Colony Maintenance
Assist with mouse colony management, breeding, genotyping, and databasing.
Perform routine mouse procedures following approved animal protocols.
Collect and process tissues and samples for downstream analyses.
Conditions of Employment
- Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
Demonstrated research experience in a laboratory environment.
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Competency in standard laboratory techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA prep, mammalian cell culture, media and buffer preparation.
Willingness to work with laboratory mice.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in mouse work (husbandry, injection, dissection).
Experience with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques is highly desirable.
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
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field
- Demonstrated research experience in a laboratory environment
- Competency in PCR, DNA/RNA preparation, mammalian cell culture, media preparation, and buffer preparation
- Willingness to work with laboratory mice
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Experience with mouse husbandry, injection, or dissection
- Experience with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques
What We Do
Rosalind Franklin University is a graduate-level institution with 2,000 students dedicated to health sciences and located in North Chicago, Illinois, approximately 35 miles north of downtown Chicago. Its beautiful 97-acre campus is home to the Basic Science Building, the Health Science Building, the Morningstar Interprofessional Education Center, Multi-media Dr. John J. Sheinin Gross Anatomy Lab, Education and Evaluation Center, three student residence halls and the Rosalind Franklin University Health System. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional medical and healthcare education, offering a doctor of medicine program through the Chicago Medical School, doctor of podiatric medicine program through the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, a doctor of pharmacy through the College of Pharmacy, and a range of degrees through its College of Health Professions, including nurse anesthesia, nutrition, physical therapy, pathologists’ assistant and physician assistant. The University also offers advanced biomedical degrees through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. In 2018, the university broke ground on the Innovation and Research Park, which will add nearly 100,000 square feet of space to campus. The park continues our heritage of research that impacts the world.
