Laboratory Assistant

Mindlance; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Assistant to join their dynamic Assay Development and Characterization team. This role involves performing essential laboratory operations and supporting experimental execution in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong educational background, preferably an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, and be comfortable working with various insect species and plant assays. This position offers a flexible schedule and the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a laboratory setting, making it perfect for new graduates eager to kickstart their careers in research.

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Ability to work with various insect species and plant assays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory facilities and equipment according to standards.
• Assist in plant assays and perform lab duties requiring sterile technique.

Skills

Laboratory Operations

Data Documentation

Sterile Technique

Plant Care

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Liquid Handlers

Plate Readers

Job description

The Assay Development and Characterization (Client) team is responsible for developing and optimizing various assay platforms to identify and characterize hits, actives, leads, and construct performance.
As part of the Client team, the Research Assistant will perform general laboratory operations tasks and provide support with experimental execution, at the direction of laboratory and/or project leads. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative, team environment.
Responsibilities and tasks may include:
• Maintaining laboratory facilities and equipment in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Use of common instrumentation, including liquid handlers and plate readers.
• Comfortability working with a variety of insect species at various life stages.
• Assist in plant assays including sampling, culture maintenance, and plant care.
• Perform lab duties that at times require sterile technique
• Standard lab cleaning procedures
• Ability to accurately document experimental data, under advisement of project lead(s).
Education and Experience:
• Associate’s (2-yr) or Bachelor’s degree (4-yr) required.
• New graduates with experience in a laboratory setting are encouraged to apply.
• Shift/Schedule
• Monday – Wednesday 8AM -5PM (flexible); Thursday – Friday 7AM-4PM
• Preference given to candidates with flexibility to start early on Thursday and Friday as it aligns with laboratory activities
• Possible weekend rotations, typically once per month