Position Title:

Junior Research Assistant

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hiring Range:

$25.05/hour

Pay Frequency:

Hourly

A. POSITION PURPOSE

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

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist in the Synthesis and Study of New Molecules

• Synthesize various organic, inorganic, and organometallic molecules using air-free Schlenk and glovebox methods, including calculating reagent amounts and monitoring reaction progress.

• Purify synthesized molecules using techniques including distillation, column chromatography, and crystallization.

• Identify and characterize synthetic products using advanced instrumentation including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), UV-visible spectroscopy and other techniques.

• Execute routine troubleshooting of commonly used instrumentation in the laboratory by interfacing with laboratory management staff and/or service representatives.

2. Spectroscopic data analysis

• Analyze and process spectroscopic data to generate plots and figures.

3. Writing Support 

• Conduct searches of the scientific literature and summarize findings at the request of the supervisor.

• Prepare supporting figures, data, and references for grants or scientific manuscripts drafted by the supervisor.

4. Laboratory Support

• Maintain lab in a general state of cleanliness and order.

• Maintain lab equipment.

• Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables. 

5. 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.

• Monitor hazardous waste accumulation and coordinate with laboratory staff for routine pickup of waste.

6. Other duties as assigned.

 

C.   PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION 

Ensures that undergraduate student researchers maintain a safe laboratory environment and adhere to standard laboratory procedures. Assists with training of undergraduate student researchers in standard laboratory practices and procedures.

D.   GENERAL GUIDELINES 

1. Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices. 

2. Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools.

3. Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.  

4. Prepares progress reports, informs supervisor of project status and deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions. 

5. Prepares and submits written or oral reports as requested and required.

6. 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, chemical synthesis, spectroscopic analysis of molecules (organic/inorganic/organometallic)

2. Skills 

• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals.

• Molecular synthesis.

• Purification of synthesized molecules.

• Spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis. 

• Use of routine laboratory equipment, including but not limited to: balances, rotary evap