Job Description

Research Assistant Primary Purpose: Under the supervision of the Research Director of the Endodontic Department, provides essential support in conducting research experiments, managing projects, and contributing to academic publications and grant proposals. This position involves performing laboratory tasks, maintaining research equipment, and ensuring the smooth execution of experiments to support the department's ongoing research efforts. University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff. Essential Functions: Assist in designing and conducting experiments under the direction of the Research Director. Perform laboratory techniques, including molecular and bacterial/cell culture methods, with a focus on biofilm research and imaging. Provide support to students and guest researchers in conducting experiments and analyzing data in the Endo department as needed. Maintain and organize laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functionality and cleanliness. Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, contributing to project reports and publications. Assist with the preparation of research documentation, such as protocols, manuscripts, and grant proposals. Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and guidelines. Manage laboratory supplies and consumables. Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge of: General laboratory procedures and basic molecular techniques. Microbiology, bacterial culture methods, and biofilm research. Basic imaging techniques and applications. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools. Proper protocols for handling and disposing of biohazardous materials. Drafting and adhering to standard operating procedures and established safety protocols. Ability to: Multitask and adapt to changing priorities and tasks. Learn and develop new skills independently. Work both independently and as part of a team, collaborating effectively with others. Demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills. Communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues. Supervise and mentor students in their research work. Experience: Minimum of one year of general laboratory experience, including bacterial culture techniques. Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., microbiology, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline). Working Conditions: Position is full-time, eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week. Occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens or biohazardous materials may reasonably be anticipated. Personal protective equipment will be provided to reduce or eliminate exposure to routine or limited infectious agents. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of: Multispecies and anaerobic bacterial cultures. Advanced imaging skills (confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy). Imaging software and image processing techniques. Experience working in the dental research field (dental materials and biomechanics). Protein and peptide handling and characterization. Cell culture, ELISA, PCR, and DNA extraction techniques. Experience with common bioinformatics and biostatistical analysis. Experience: Demonstrated research productivity with peer-reviewed publications in areas such as microbiology, biofilms, advanced imaging, or physico-chemical characterization. 3-5 years of laboratory experience. Education: Master's or PhD degrees in a relevant scientific field (e.g., microbiology, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, or related discipline). Other: Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting. Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Position requires standing, lifting, bending, and reaching during most working hours. Lifting objects of up to 25 pounds. Hiring Range: $26.85 - $34.36 per hour. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Background Check Statement: All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening. To apply, visit University of the Pacific is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity. In compliance with applicable law and its own policy, Pacific is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff and does not discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Academic Careers

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