Research Assistant

at  Western University

CLASSIFICATION & REGULAR HOURS

Hours per Week: 30
Salary Grade: Level M
Please note, this is a 9-month grant-funded position.

ABOUT US

The Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering is one of four departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing the best student experience.
Dr. Rohani’s research is focused on the preparation of more effective active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with higher solubility and bioavailability. This includes the discovery of new polymorphs and cocrystals of small therapeutic agents. The research also encompasses the use of machine learning tools for the prediction of the solubility and the likelihood of the formation of new cocrystals of a given API. In addition, extensive research is being pursued in synthesizing new metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for the effective delivery of cancer drugs. With the help of Professor Strong’s laboratory, in vitro studies are being conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of the newly discovered MOFs as potent targeted drug delivery vehicles.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• 3 year University Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science or relevant field

Experience:

• 1 year of work experience supporting research implementation in a related technical field

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis and with experimental design and analysis
• Strong knowledge in synthetic chemistry, characterization techniques such as FTIR, proton and carbon NMR, XRPD, XPS, TGA, SEM, BET; MTT cell viability test, Confocal microscopy
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to learn and use software programs
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical information
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to collect and analyze data in an objective manner
• Ability to collaborate and develop credible relationships with a wide variety of individuals
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments
• Demonstrated ability take initiative, to work independently and follow through on work assignments
• Ability to prioritize and organize a fluctuating work load
• Ability to interpret and identify key results from research and to succinctly summarize research findings
• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred

The Research Assistant will support research activities for a research project under the direction of Principal Investigator related to the development of nano-carriers for the targeted drug delivery for the treatment of various cancers. The Research Assistant will assist with a variety of day-to-day research duties to facilitate the achievement of innovative research results, including the development, characterization, and in vitro testing of new metal organic frameworks for the effective targeted delivery of cancer drugs. The Research Assistant will also conduct data analysis and reporting, as well as the dissemination of research results arising from the research. The role will schedule meetings with project stakeholders, perform literature reviews and ensure an inventory of supplies are available to support the research.