Part-Time Research Assistant

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Department:

College of Arts & Sciences

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Job Type:

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Job Description:

Summary:

The Part-Time Research Assistant position is responsible for measuring phenols and other biomolecules with carbon fiber microelectrodes by using fast scan cyclic voltammetry.

The candidate will be serving as a research assistant for Dr. Zestos making carbon fiber microelectrodes for the measurement of phenols, glutamate, and Neuropeptide Y with FSCV. Potential candidate will also be funded by the NIH, American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund (ACS-PRF) in order to measure phenol samples in complex biological matrices such as phenol, 2-methylaminophenol, 4-methylaminophenol, and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid. Moreover, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) will be utilized to modify carbon fiber microelectrodes to enhance neurochemical detection.

Responsibilities:

• Create and develop carbon fiber microelectrodes with glass capillaries, carbon fiber, a vertical capillary puller, vacuum, oven, hood, microscope and epoxy for the detection of neurotransmitters with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

• Utilize the dual channel potentiostat to measure neurotransmitters with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV).

• Make and test several solutions such as buffer (phosphate buffered saline and artificial cerebral spinal fluid), dopamine, serotonin, and several other neurotransmitters diluted in buffer.

• Modify the carbon electrodes with metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and measure any increases in sensitivity.

• Utilize silicon carbide multichannel microelectrodes.

• Integrate the electrode work with the multichannel potentiostats and configure the system to adaptability.

• Train and organize other students for project performance.

• Collect, analyze, and report the data.

• Help in manuscript and proposal submission.

Competencies:

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Displaying Creativity.

• Supporting Coworkers.

• Leading and Inspiring People.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• 15 hours per week.

• The position duration is 06/01/2025 - 08/01/2026.

• Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

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Salary Range:

• $18.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• 1-3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• At least 1-3 years of work experience in laboratory research with skills in carbon electrode manufacturing, electrochemistry, and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry.

• Should be proficient in Microsoft Office, and great attention to work details.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.