Laboratory Research Assistant

Indiana University

Indianapolis (IN)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 45,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental 보험

Health savings account

Tuition subsidy for IU courses

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Retirement plan

Job summary

Indiana University Indianapolis is seeking a motivated individual to support molecular genetics research involving mouse models and histology. You will assist with breeding, genotyping, tissue collection, and sample preparation for core facilities.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to work in a dynamic lab environment. Training will be provided in procedures and documentation.

Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree in science or health-related discipline.
Laboratory experience in biomedical research preferred.
Familiarity with tissue collection, histology, or microscopy is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Provide technical and operational support for research projects.
Assist with mouse colonies, genotyping, and tissue processing.
Maintain accurate records and prepare samples for core facilities.
Follow biosafety and animal care protocols and assist with data QA.

Skills

Written & verbal comms

Professionalism

Time management

Quality focus

Flexibility

Reliability

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or health-related discipline

Tools

Excel

Electronic recordkeeping

PCR

DNA extraction

Job description

MMGE - MOLECULAR GENETICS (IN-MOLG-IUINA)

One of the first human genetics departments in the country, the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine has a rich history of training geneticists and genetic counselors and providing genetic consultation and counseling services. Currently ranked 5th in the nation among Genetics Departments for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding, received in 2023, the department contributes to the understanding of numerous genetic conditions through the integration of basic research in genetic and genomic mechanisms, translational research in disease models, and clinical trials in rare and common genetic diseases.

Department‑Specific Responsibilities

Provides technical and operational support for biomedical research projects investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human diseases.
Assists with animal identification and genotyping, experimental procedures, biological specimen collection and processing, and histological analyses.
Assists with the management of genetically engineered mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, animal identification, and genotyping.
Collects tissue samples for genotyping and perform routine DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis following established protocols.
Assists with establishing breeding pairs and maintaining breeding colonies according to experimental needs.
Conducts routine animal health and well‑being checks and reports abnormalities to senior laboratory personnel.
Assists with animal treatments, including injections and administration of experimental compounds.
Assists with animal euthanasia, necropsies, and tissue collection in accordance with approved protocols.
Maintains accurate animal records, including breeding histories, genotyping results, experimental procedures, and colony inventories.
Assists with periodic colony inventories and maintenance of breeding stock.
Assists with the collection, dissection, processing, and preservation of mouse tissues for downstream analyses.
Assists with tissue fixation, post‑fixation, and preparation of fresh‑frozen specimens.
Assists with animal perfusion and preparation of tissues for histological and molecular analyses.
Prepares and organizes tissue samples for submission to institutional histology and other research core facilities.
Maintains accurate records of collected specimens, experimental procedures, and tissue inventories.
Assists with the preparation and administration of experimental treatments, including tamoxifen and other compounds.
Assists with the preparation and processing of tissue specimens for histological analyses.
Performs routine histological staining following established laboratory protocols.
Assists with the acquisition of images using light or fluorescence microscopy.
Assists with basic image analysis and quantification of histological features.
Organizes and maintains histological images, experimental data, and associated records.
Maintains accurate electronic records and spreadsheets related to animal colonies, experimental procedures, tissue collections, and histological analyses.
Enters, organizes, and verifies experimental data to ensure accuracy and traceability.
Prepares reagents, buffers, and solutions required for routine laboratory procedures.
Assists with laboratory inventory management, equipment maintenance, and organization of laboratory supplies.
Participates in laboratory meetings and coordinates daily activities with other research personnel.
Follows established laboratory procedures and complies with institutional animal care, biosafety, and laboratory safety requirements.

General Responsibilities

Responsible for the initiation, monitoring, completion, and reporting of routine to moderately complex research studies.
Organizes and implements data review and analysis.
Oversees the proper handling of laboratory specimens including processes, shipping, storage, and documentation and transfer to designated central laboratories.
Conducts data quality assurance practices.
Prepares research summaries and assists in progress report development.
Maintains laboratory work areas and supply inventory.

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

Bachelor's degree in science or health‑related discipline.

Preferred

Postsecondary education in biology, animal science, biotechnology, or a related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Laboratory experience.
Experience in a biomedical research laboratory.
Experience with tissue collection, processing, histological staining, or microscopy.

SKILLS

Required

Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
Highly thorough and dependable.

Preferred

Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and electronic recordkeeping.
Familiarity with laboratory mouse handling, breeding, identification, and genotyping.
Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including PCR and DNA extraction.

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

The position involves regular work in biomedical research laboratories and animal research facilities. Duties may include handling laboratory mice, biological specimens, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. All animal procedures will be conducted following appropriate training and in accordance with approved institutional protocols and safety requirements.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Technical skills and prior experience with all laboratory techniques are not required at the time of hiring. The successful candidate will receive training in procedures and techniques they have not yet mastered. We are primarily seeking an individual who demonstrates honesty, accountability, reliability, meticulousness, ability to follow procedures, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to learning and performing their responsibilities carefully and consistently. These personal and professional qualities are more important than prior experience with specific laboratory techniques.

The successful candidate will receive hands‑on training in laboratory procedures and techniques relevant to their responsibilities. Training will be tailored to the individual's prior experience and may include mouse colony management, genotyping, animal handling, tissue collection, histological techniques, and laboratory documentation.

Indiana University Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

$39,720.00 per year to $44,720.00 per year based on experience and internal equity within the department

Benefits

For full‑time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
Health savings account with generous IU contributions
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
Basic group life insurance paid by IU
Voluntary supplemental life, long‑term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
Generous paid time off plans
Paid leave for new parents and IU‑sponsored volunteer events
Employee assistance program (EAP)