Research Assistant - School of the Sciences-Chemistry & BioChemistry

TITLE

Research Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Performs skilled technical, administrative and managerial support research work involving performance of assignments which may involve planning and directing certain phases of a research project. Work is performed under limited supervision and performance evaluation is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:    Principal Investigator or Department Head

Supervises:     May supervise Student Assistants or Research Technician I, II, III, IV

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

• Conducts various tests or experiments requiring creativity, foresight, and judgement.

• Performs complex analysis and examinations.

• Assists Investigator with the planning and direction of specific phases of a research project and in preparing funding proposals.

• Assists in the selection of procedures and techniques by which research goals may be accomplished.

• Supervises and assists in the preparation of specifications.

• Computes quantities and extends projections.

• Makes and records observations and scientific measurements.

• Assembles and operates technical equipment.

• Designs and/or modifies special apparatus and equipment.

• Prepares technical reports and summaries.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other duties as requested.

• Thorough knowledge of scientific techniques and methods used in routine research.

• Thorough knowledge of special apparatus and equipment used in the field of research.

• Considerable knowledge of equipment and safety precautions related to work.

• Ability to follow directions and supervise.

• Ability to make accurate assays.

• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally, by phone, in person, and in writing.

• Ability to represent the department and University in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.

• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including university related software and email.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree with major coursework in the field of assignment.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of three years related experience.  Additional job related experience/and/or education may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

REQUIREMENT

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position. 

All employees share the responsibility of maintaining information security and privacy requirements within the university by adhering to Federal and State regulations, and TWU Policies & Procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

• Thorough knowledge of scientific techniques and methods used in routine research.

• Thorough knowledge of special apparatus and equipment used in the field of research.

• Considerable knowledge of equipment and safety precautions related to work.

• Ability to follow directions and supervise.

• Ability to make accurate essays.

• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally, by phone, in person, and in writing.

• Ability to represent the department and University in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.

• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including university related software and email.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The employee may be required to travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

SAFETY

TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.

Texas Woman’s University, an AA/EEO employer, provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected category, class or characteristic.

All offers of employment will be contingent on the candidate’s ability to provide documents which establish proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Positions at Texas Woman’s University deemed security-sensitive require background checks and verification of all academic credentials.

If you are a male between the age of 18 and 25, federal law requires that you must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. Under HB 558, enacted by the 76th Texas State Legislature, if you are currently of the age and gender requiring registration with Selective Service, but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for employment with an agency in any branch of Texas state government.  For additional information regarding registration or status, you can contact the Selective Service System at 847-688-6888 or www.sss.gov.