Genomics Lab Research Assistant II | Data & Protocol Support

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL is seeking a Lab Research Assistant 2 to perform laboratory procedures with limited supervision and support complex studies through specimen processing, equipment operation, and data documentation.

This role applies technical judgment to troubleshoot procedures, interpret results, assist protocol refinement, train junior staff, and contribute to high-quality research outputs in a regulated lab environment.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Experience: 2 years of laboratory experience in an academic, healthcare, or research environment
• OR
• 3 years of laboratory experience, with at least one year involving direct execution of laboratory tests or support of active research studies
• Knowledge of both basic and specialized laboratory instruments and software programs
• Advanced knowledge of standard experimental design
• Strong analytic skills
• Proficient knowledge of best practice laboratory practice and principles including their application
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Organizes responsibilities to meet protocol deadlines; adjusts task flow to maintain lab productivity and readiness
• Manages multiple tasks with attention to accuracy and sequencing; prioritizes responsibilities to meet study timelines
• Prior experience contributing to protocol development, scientific writing, or manuscript preparation
• Experience working independently in regulated or quality-controlled laboratory environments
• Strong oral and written communication
• Proficiency using laboratory data systems such as REDCap, Excel, GraphPad Prism, or Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data entry, organization, and basic analysis

Responsibilities

• Perform complex laboratory procedures with limited supervision; follow protocol objectives and adjust technique based on study conditions
• Process biological specimens such as fluids, tissues, or cell lines using manual and automated techniques according to study-specific requirements
• Analyze test results, identify patterns or anomalies, and summarize findings for investigators or team leads
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot automated and computerized lab instruments; document performance and escalated unresolved issues
• Follow biosafety standards and chemical hygiene protocols; train junior staff or students on lab techniques, safety practices, and equipment use
• Record procedures, equipment settings, and results accurately in lab notebooks or databases; share updates during team meetings
• Recommend adjustments to protocols based on observations; contribute to protocol revisions and testing of updated methods
• Apply and adapt laboratory techniques using prior knowledge and protocol guidelines; adjust procedures based on sample conditions
• Document results and propose improvements to increase reliability, accuracy, or efficiency of lab methods
• Assign tasks to Lab Assistant 1s or trainees as needed; provide hands-on support and confirm task completion
• Create data visualizations, tables, and figures to support lab reports, presentations, or scientific manuscripts
• Conduct literature reviews to inform experimental design or support protocol updates; summarize findings for review by investigators
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support daily research operations

Skills

Laboratory instruments

Experimental design

Analytical skills

Quality control

Data systems (REDCap, Excel, LIMS)

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

REDCap

Excel

GraphPad Prism

LIMS

Job description

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL is seeking a Lab Research Assistant 2 to perform laboratory procedures with limited supervision and support complex studies through specimen processing, equipment operation, and data documentation.

This role applies technical judgment to troubleshoot procedures, interpret results, assist protocol refinement, train junior staff, and contribute to high-quality research outputs in a regulated lab environment.