Examples of Co-op Positions
Click on the links below to learn more about what Co-op students can do for you!
Research Assistant - Protein Chemistry
Research Assistant - Basic Science
Clinical Studies Research Assistant
Clinical Medical Assistant
Research Assistant - Protein Chemistry
Student Learning Goals/Employer Objectives: To demonstrate proficiencies in specific areas of protein purification: expression, induction, and batch protein purification, performing western blot analysis; setup and running of successful SDS-Page gels; analysis of proteins using spectrophotometer instruments; and compiling data and writing reports of results obtained and the methods used.
Summary of Duties: Proposing and performing potential experiments to increase purified protein yields; supporting antibody screening campaigns and target validation by the expressing and batch purifying of soluble proteins; performing quantitative analysis using a spectrophotometer; perform qualitative analysis using SDS-Page gels; presenting relevant data at weekly purification meetings; performing expression and validation experiments in order to increase yield and purity; optimizing the use of a new western transfer device for maximum sensitivity; and presenting a final presentation to scientists about accomplishments achieved during the co-op period.
Research Assistant - Basic Science
Student Learning Goals/Employer Objectives: To independently interpret the scientific literature (as demonstrated by presenting a paper from a different lab to our group); and to plan and execute a small in vivo study, justifying this project's place in the current state of the art, and presenting the findings.
Summary of Duties: Learning and mastering basic laboratory techniques and successfully; troubleshooting problems encountered to produce reproducible laboratory results at a reasonable rate; adequately cataloging and communicating work conducted and follow-through with supervisors; recording results in lab notebooks and electronic files; seeking out supervisors for further work during down-times; demonstrating a desire to solve work problems, work efficiently and take on an increasing responsibility to the extent possible, and showing a desire to learn and conduct all required work fully.
Clinical Studies Research Assistant
Student Learning Goals/Employer Objectives: To learn basic principles of medical research as it relates to the protection of human subjects and the ethical treatment of animals; to understand how hypothesis testing is utilized to understand issues underlying disease; and to participate in one major research project and develop new analytical skills as they relate to the project.
Summary of Duties: Participating directly in our on-going medical research. As such, the introduction of new medical devices and surgical approaches is a major research focus. This Co-op student has several duties and independent responsibilities: understanding the specific methods of and employing these methods in an animal model, understanding the importance of organ function as it relates to physiology and performing measurements of function; collecting critical physiology data; and analyzing these data with respect to graphical presentations and statistical analysis. This Co-op student is expected to attend all staff meetings and to be present for all procedures involved in the clinical studies and will be independently responsible for a particular data set that will be analyzed and reviewed with the principal scientist.
Clinical Medical Assistant
Student Learning Goals/Employer Objectives: Gaining comprehensive knowledge of the Medical Assistant position including attributes such as accuracy and professionalism; performing and calculating blood pressure measurements in young patients, as well as weight, height, and vision screening; and learning to manage time, taking initiative, being assertive, and being professional. Additional goals include: performing the function of a medical assistant well; learning new medical skills; and gain insight about how physicians help patients.
Summary of Duties: Checking in patients, taking vital signs, preparing office, assisting in procedures, managing lab studies, and handling phone calls.