Research Assistant

Job Summary :

The Research Assistant will provide technical support in a cardiovascular research lab under the direction of Principal Investigator Dr. Susana Cavallero. Responsibilities include experiment planning and execution, data collection and analyses; bench work involving lab techniques focused on molecular biology and small animal studies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Maintain cultures of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells
• Perform lab techniques such as Western Blot and real time RT-PCR
• Perform routine histological procedures (tissue sectioning, hematoxylin and eosin, Oil Red O)
• Perform immunostaining procedures : selection and preparation of antibody and reagents, imaging in bright field or fluorescent microscope
• Assist with animal studies in small rodents (mice)
• Maintain records of experimental results
• Assist with data analysis and interpretation, and generating figures for publication
• Provide general technical assistance as needed
• Discuss results regularly in laboratory meetings
• Prepare buffers, chemical agents, and other solutions as defined by specific research protocols
• Maintain laboratory equipment, including ordering and receiving supplies and managing inventory.

Other Duties and Responsibilities :

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements :

EDUCATION :

Regionally accredited bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S.) required in Biological Sciences or related filed.

Master’s Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE :

1-3 years of experience in a related field.

Knowledge of basic genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical principles.

KNOWLEDGE / ABILITY / SKILLS :

Familiar with molecular biology techniques including extraction of DNA, RNA and protein, Western blots, cell culture techniques, immunohistochemistry, and instrumentation.

Ability to use basic laboratory equipment, including centrifuge, pH meter, and PCR. Troubleshooting instruments as needed.

Demonstrated ability to calculate concentrations of solutions as necessary.

Experience with mouse models preferred.

Ability to carefully follow experimental protocols.

Capability to work independently and as part of a team.

Excellent organization skills to create and maintain records accurately, organize raw data into a comprehensible form, maintain laboratory readiness for future experiments.

Interpersonal skills to effectively interact with faculty, staff, and students. Willing to learn new skills.

Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer.

Compensation :

$27.07 / hr

Position Status :

Full-time, Non-Exempt

COMPLEXITY :

The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing / obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high / low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Position is on-site unless specific authorization from the manager.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Occasionally required to work in confined space.

MENTAL DEMANDS :

The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent work on a variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating interrupted work, working on a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

Special Requirements :

Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.

As a health professions institution of higher education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science seeks to protect the health and safety of the University community. As a condition of enrollment and employment, students, faculty, and staff must comply with the current CDU COVID-19 requirements as described on the CDU COVID-19 webpage.  Please visit the CDU Return to Campus website or email the Campus Nursing Office at nurseofficer@cdrewu.edu .

Conditional Employment :

The employment status of this position is classified as “Conditional.” Conditional employment means that the job exists contingent upon continued funding and limitations of restricted funds or, the duration of a specific program, project, grant, or contract. Since your salary is funded by (Novel Mechanisms and UHI Research Support Grants and 6 / 30 / 2026 and 8 / 31 / 2026 ), your position is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds.   Continuation of your position is dependent, in part, upon funding availability.  Furthermore, no work may be performed after the grant end date(s) unless you have received an extension in writing from a Dean, Division VP, or Human Resources.

EEO Statement : Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.

Fair Chance Statement : Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.