Research Assistant- AZ- Physiology

• →Perform research procedures in support of ongoing experimental studies under the direction of the Principal Investigator or senior lab member.
• →Lead all aspects of mouse colony management, including breeding strategy design, genotyping coordination, recordkeeping, and maintenance of colony health and productivity.
• →Conduct in vivo mouse experiments, including animal handling, dosing, tissue collection, and necropsy in accordance with approved IACUC protocols.
• →Execute experimental procedures using mouse models to investigate reproductive physiology and toxicology endpoints, including coordination of timed matings and developmental studies.
• →Ensure strict adherence to institutional animal care and use guidelines, maintaining compliance with all regulatory and safety standards.
• →Assist with molecular and cellular laboratory techniques (e.g., RNA/protein extraction, qPCR, histology, immunohistochemistry) using tissues derived from mouse studies.
• →Support data collection, management, and analysis; assist in preparation of figures, abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
• →Train and mentor students in mouse handling, colony management, and laboratory techniques, as well as safety procedures and proper recordkeeping.
• →Maintain accurate laboratory and animal records, including colony databases, experimental logs, and regulatory documentation.
• →Maintain organization of laboratory space, equipment, and supplies; coordinate procurement of laboratory and animal-related materials.
• →Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to team-based research activities.
• →Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to carry out all essential duties in a satisfactory manner. The qualifications listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. The individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness, perform duties safely, and maintain regular, predictable in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in physiology or a related field is required.
• 0–2 years of relevant research experience is required.
• Experience working with mouse models is strongly preferred, including handling, breeding, colony maintenance, and sample collection.
• Familiarity with animal research protocols and regulatory compliance (e.g., IACUC) is preferred.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment is essential.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required.
• Experience with GraphPad or other statistical analysis software is preferred.

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Frequently required to sit and use hands for handling or manipulating objects.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and push or pull equipment.
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Vision must be correctable to 20/20 (including depth, color, and close vision).
• Hearing must be correctable to normal levels.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Noise level is typically moderate.
• Work may involve proximity to moving mechanical parts and exposure to vibration.
• Occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles may occur.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.