Research Assistant

Research Assistant Pomona, CA Job Details Part-time $20 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Paid time off Retirement plan Qualifications Statistics Computer operation Molecular Biology Laboratory safety Laboratory equipment maintenance Computer literacy Scientific research Laboratory experiments Microbiology Molecular biology techniques Bachelor's degree in biomedical science Bachelor's degree Gel electrophoresis Laboratory compliance Organizational skills Computer skills Microbiological analysis Bachelor's degree in molecular biology Data collection Handling nucleic acids Sterile laboratory techniques Bachelor's degree in microbiology Communication skills Molecular biology Entry level Statistical analysis tools Assays Full Job Description The STRIDE Lab (Strategies for Targeting Resistant Infectious Disease and Evasion) / Kumar Lab seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant to support translational research focused on microbial pathogenicity, biofilm biology, antimicrobial resistance, and pharmacological intervention strategies relevant to both veterinary and comparative biomedical health. The Research Assistant will contribute to key microbiological, molecular, and pharmacological research initiatives examining fungal and bacterial biofilms, host-pathogen interactions, and resistance-modifying therapeutic approaches. The position requires strong laboratory skills, attention to detail, scientific rigor, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Good computer skills. Statistical Data analysis. Creation of publication-quality figures. Hands-on experience with microbial culture techniques and aseptic methods. Basic understanding of antimicrobial pharmacology and resistance mechanisms. Experience with molecular techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction). Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects. Scientific curiosity and hypothesis-driven thinking. Precision in experimental execution. Strong data integrity and reproducibility mindset. Ability to work in a multidisciplinary translational research environment. Professional communication and teamwork skills. Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications Essential Job Duties Key Responsibilities Conduct Laboratory Experiments:

Perform microbiological and molecular laboratory procedures including microbial culture, biofilm assays, and preparation of laboratory reagents while maintaining sterile technique and safety compliance.

Key Responsibilities Support Pharmacological Screening:

Assist in testing antimicrobial and pharmacological agents using standardized in vitro assays to evaluate their activity against microbial biofilms and pathogens.

Key Responsibilities Collect and Analyze Research Data:

Record experimental observations, organize datasets, and perform basic statistical analysis using laboratory data analysis software.

Key Responsibilities Maintain Laboratory Operations:

Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, ensure compliance with institutional biosafety protocols, and support overall laboratory organization and documentation. Posting Details Continued Work Schedule Hours may vary Working at WesternU We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable. We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally, Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success. Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment. Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community. As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences. WesternU's core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people! Expected Pay Scale Minimum $20.00 Hourly Maximum $20.00 Hourly Physical Demands Physical Demands Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes If yes, list maximum weight and duration The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to operate a PC in the performance of job duties, and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, and reach with hands and arms, and occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Describe Work Environment 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 available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a typical office setting. The noise level in this setting is typically low to moderate. Posting Information Posting Number S01770 Posting Date 03/20/2026 Close Date 03/20/2027 Open Until Filled Yes Conditions of Employment - Background Check To secure employment, successful fulfillment of a background check, including a criminal records check, may be required. Western University of Health Sciences will extend a conditional offer of employment, subject to rescission if the background check unveils disqualifying information or if it is found that the candidate deliberately withheld or misrepresented information. Non-completion of the background check to satisfaction may impact the ongoing employment of a current Western University of Health Sciences employee who received a conditional offer for the position. Pay Transparency Act Pay Transparency Act- Western University of Health Sciences is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers various factors in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The Expected Pay Scale is defined as the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Placement within the Expected Pay Scale is determined by internal equity and relevant qualifications. Equal Opportunity Statement (EEO) It is the policy of Western University to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment as required by law without regard to age, race, color, national origin ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, creed, religion or religious creed, sex or gender (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, disability (both physical and mental) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), pregnancy (which includes childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), age, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other applicable protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within WesternU including without limitation, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoffs, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. WesternU makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merits, and business needs at the time. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Optional Documents Cover Letter Letter of Recommendation #1 Letter of Recommendation #2 Letter of Recommendation #3 Additional Applicant Document