Research Assistant Job at Santa Clara University, USA | Biochemistry Freshers | Earn $25.05 Per Hour | Apply Now
If you are a recent chemistry or biochemistry graduate looking to build hands-on, highly technical laboratory experience, this part-time Research Assistant Job at Santa Clara University is a fantastic opportunity. Located in Santa Clara, California, this Biochemistry job places you directly in the laboratory of Professor Meaghan Deegan within the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. For early-career scientists seeking a hands-on Job in USA that bridges the gap between undergraduate studies and advanced academic or industrial research, here is a complete, scannable breakdown of the role, your daily responsibilities, and the qualifications required.
- Job Position: Junior Research Assistant
- Location: Santa Clara, CA
- Job requisition ID: R7583
About The University
Santa Clara University (SCU) is a premier private Jesuit university located in the heart of Silicon Valley. You will be joining the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, specifically working under the direction of Professor Meaghan Deegan. The laboratory focuses on advanced chemical synthesis, molecular characterization, and spectroscopic analysis. Working at SCU means joining a collaborative, academically rigorous environment where you will not only conduct your own experiments but also help mentor the next generation of undergraduate student researchers.
Research Assistant Job – Key Responsibilities
As a Junior Research Assistant, you will execute a dynamic mix of advanced benchwork, data analysis, and general laboratory management.
Your day-to-day experimental and operational duties will include:
- Molecular Synthesis: Synthesizing various organic, inorganic, and organometallic molecules using specialized air-free Schlenk and glovebox methods.
- Purification & Characterization: Purifying synthesized molecules via distillation, column chromatography, and crystallization. You will identify products using advanced instrumentation like NMR, IR, and UV-visible spectroscopy.
- Data Analysis: Analyzing and processing complex spectroscopic data to generate plots, figures, and technical reports.
- Writing & Grant Support: Conducting scientific literature searches, summarizing findings, and preparing supporting data and references for grants and manuscripts.
- Lab Operations & Safety: Maintaining lab cleanliness, managing chemical inventory, monitoring hazardous waste, and executing safety inspections.
- Mentorship: Providing work direction to undergraduate researchers, ensuring they maintain a safe environment and strictly adhere to standard laboratory procedures.
Qualifications & Technical Skills Required For Research Assistant Job
This Research Assistant Job is tailored for meticulous, early-career scientists who are comfortable working independently with hazardous chemicals and advanced analytical hardware.
- Educational Foundation: A Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, or a closely aligned scientific field is required.
- Experience Level: 0 to 3 years of laboratory research experience.
- Technical Competencies: Proven ability to safely handle hazardous chemicals, perform molecular synthesis and purification, and execute spectroscopic data acquisition.
- Equipment Mastery: Experience utilizing routine laboratory equipment including analytical balances, rotary evaporators, vacuum pumps, and hot plates.
- Soft Skills: Strong scientific writing abilities, critical reading of scientific literature, and the capacity to work cooperatively as part of a highly focused research team.
Logistics, Compensation & Physical Demands
- Location: Santa Clara, California, USA. (Work is conducted primarily on-site in an indoor chemistry laboratory setting with some desk/computer work).
- Job Type: Part-Time, Fixed Term.
- Pay Rate: $25.05 per hour.
- Physical Demands: This role requires considerable time spent doing hands-on work at a laboratory bench or fume hood, as well as time spent at a desk processing data.
- Work Environment: You will be operating in an active chemistry laboratory, which involves exposure to hazardous chemicals, equipment noise, and frequent interruptions.
In summary, this Junior Research Assistant position in Professor Deegan’s lab is an exceptional launchpad for aspiring chemists and biochemists. By securing this role, you will master highly marketable skills like air-free Schlenk techniques and NMR characterization while gaining supervisory experience. If you hold a relevant degree and are ready to contribute to cutting-edge molecular research, apply today to secure this premier Job in USA and fast-track your academic Biochemistry job trajectory.
