Lab Assistant

Temple University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition remission - eligible employees

Job summary

Temple University’s School of Medicine seeks a full-time, entry-level Laboratory Assistant to support neuromodulation research and gene-based therapies in rodent models. You will work with the PI, postdocs, and students on preclinical studies, handling animals, performing surgeries, and aiding with tissue analysis.

Responsibilities include SOPs, data recording, and maintaining equipment and supplies, with an emphasis on detail, organization, and teamwork in a safety-focused lab setting.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and scientific procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow written protocols.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with standard computer software applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform rodent handling, animal surgeries, post-operative monitoring, behavioral assessments, and routine animal care.
• Perform tissue collection, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and basic image analysis.
• Perform molecular biology techniques, including DNA preparation, PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, cell culture, and viral-vector methods.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records.
• Coordinate the receipt, organization, and storage of laboratory shipments and supplies.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and institutional policies.

Skills

Rodent handling

Behavioral testing

Immunohistochemistry

Molecular biology basics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in neuroscience

Bachelor's Degree in biology

Biomedical engineering background

Tools

PCR

Cell culture

DNA preparation

Job description

Temple University\'s School of Medicine is searching for a Laboratory Assistant! Salary Range: $23.11/hour A variety of important factors ae reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant\'s education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.

• Full medical, dental, vision coverage
• Paid time off 9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays
• 3 Personal Days
• Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree
• TUITION FREE
• A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Position Summary

We seek a full-time, entry-level Lab Assistant to support research on neuromodulation and gene-based therapies to support recovery after rodent spinal cord injury. The Lab Assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other laboratory members on preclinical studies using rodent models.

Primary responsibilities will include assisting with rodent handling, animal surgeries, post-operative monitoring, behavioral assessments, and routine animal care in accordance with approved institutional protocols. The Lab Assistant will also assist with tissue collection, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and basic image analysis. Additional responsibilities may include molecular biology methods such as DNA preparation, PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, cell culture, and viral-vector production and validation. The Lab Assistant will maintain organized and accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records, protocols, sample inventories, and data files. The individual will help prepare reagents, maintain laboratory supplies and equipment, and follow all applicable animal care, biosafety, and laboratory safety procedures. Strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.

Job Details

• This is a grant funded position
• This position requires the following background checks: criminal history review

Required Education and Experience

• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and scientific procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow written protocols.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with standard computer software applications.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor\'s Degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field or related field
• Prior experience with rodent handling, stereotaxic or other rodent surgeries, behavioral testing, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, or viral-vector methods is preferred but not required.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and scientific procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow written protocols.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with standard computer software applications.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Prior research experience in a biological science laboratory
• Strong interest in developing research skills in preparation for future graduate or professional training in biomedical sciences

Essential Duties

Animal Care and Research

• Perform rodent handling, animal surgeries, post-operative monitoring, behavioral assessments, and routine animal care in accordance with approved institutional protocols.
• Perform tissue collection, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and basic image analysis.

Molecular Biology and Laboratory Techniques

• Perform molecular biology techniques, as applicable, include DNA preparation, PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, cell culture, and viral-vector production and validation.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Data Collection and Documentation

• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records.
• Collect, organize, and accurately record experimental data.

Laboratory Operations and Inventory

• Maintain laboratory inventories and assist with ordering laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate the receipt, organization, and storage of laboratory shipments and supplies.
• Clean, organize, and maintain laboratory workspaces and equipment.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow laboratory safety procedures and institutional policies.
• Perform animal-related activities in accordance with approved institutional protocols and applicable laboratory procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

Temple University\'s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety. Go here to review: https://safety.temple.edu/reports-logs/annual-security-report You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University\'s Department of Public Safety at 215-204-7900.