Research Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Mission Driven, Community Focused About | Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (cdrewu.edu)

Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of south Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for underrepresented students.

CDU is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of south Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Project PI’s the Research Assistant is responsible for a broad range of routine to moderately complex research duties. This position involves investigating the role of follistatin in electronic cigarette-induced atherosclerosis, and advancing knowledge at the intersection of cardiovascular biology, atherosclerosis, and molecular mechanisms of tobacco-related disease investigating the role of follistatin in electronic cigarette-induced atherosclerosis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Duties assigned to these titles will require an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field, process, or discipline and may involve organizing and implementing complex research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports (weekly reports and progress reports) containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content.
• The duties will require the exercise of independent discretion and judgment in carrying out research activities within the predetermined research scope and methodology.
• Analyzes and records research data, submit weekly reports to the PI's.
• Perform animal husbandry and care in compliance with IACUC and AAALAC standards, including handling, monitoring, and maintaining mouse colonies.
• Conduct mouse aerosol exposure studies with electronic cigarette devices, ensuring adherence to established safety and experimental protocols.
• Assist with experimental procedures related to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, including tissue collection, perfusion, and sectioning (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence).
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, perform data analysis, and prepare results for presentations, reports, and publications.
• Collaborate effectively with investigators, trainees, and technical staff.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Other duties as requested.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Prior training in cell and molecular biology techniques; experience in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, or metabolic research is desirable.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork
• Flexibility to work across both CDU and UCLA
• Commitment of at least a two-years.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or related

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 2–3 years of hands-on research laboratory experience
• Prior training in cell and molecular biology techniques; experience in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, or metabolic research is desirable.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork

SKILLS:

• Ability to apply standard laboratory techniques, follow research protocols, analyze data, and contribute effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Computer
• Written and oral communication
• Able to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues

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 accommodations 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 manager.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Frequent variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating, interrupted work, 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.
• The ideal candidate will be seeking a career in Biomedical Science and able to make a long-term commitment.
• COVID-19 Vaccination: 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, proof of the newest COVID-19 booster will be required for CDU students, faculty, and staff entry to the CDU campus. Please note that vaccination requirements may change as our Federal, State, and local public health laws change. Requests for disability and religious accommodations from faculty and staff will be evaluated consistent with the law and University policies and procedures.

Compensation:

• $27.06/hr.

Position Status:

• Full-Time

Work Location:

• On Site

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 TRDRP, Role of Follistatin and Alpha 7 Nicotinic Receptors in E-Cigarettes, End Date: 6/30/26. 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.