Examples of Co-op Positions
The following descriptions represent actual positions that NEU Co-op Students currently hold. Click on the links below to learn more.
Research Assistant - Protein Chemistry
Research Assistant - Drug Discovery
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 - Drug Discovery
Student Learning Goals/Employer Objectives: To gain experience about the drug discovery process and how it pertains to the study and treatment of neurodegenerative disease, specifically learning the biology and rationale for the drug target, from target identification through high-throughput screening, hit validation, and medicinal chemistry.
Summary of Duties: Maintaining mammalian cells in culture, preparing compound solutions for testing, performing assays to test the efficacy of various compounds for a particular target, and analyzing the resulting data; reading scientific papers to develop an understanding of the project, and, by the end of coop, performing assays with minimal supervision.
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.