Laboratory Research Assistant

Indiana University; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, seeks a motivated, full-time Lab Research Assistant for the Imanishi Lab. The role focuses on molecular biology and high-resolution microscopy to study retina cell biology and neurobiology, working with experienced researchers and gaining exposure to advanced imaging techniques.

The position offers hands-on mentorship and is well suited for those pursuing careers in biomedical sciences, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).
• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist laboratory personnel including office staff, technologists, supervisors, and laboratory managers in completing testing.
• Manage laboratory equipment and tools essential to the function of everyday activities in the lab.
• Assist with basic laboratory experiments and maintenance tasks such as making buffers and solutions, washing dishware, sterilizing lab equipment via autoclave, and other basic research-related tasks.
• Prepare supplies for appropriate use in field experiments.
• Set up experiment apparatuses according to established protocols.
• Prepare reports and maintain all relevant documentation.
• Provide daily recording in lab notebook.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Monitor and inventories laboratory supply levels.
• Assist with and perform routine laboratory procedures and preparations.
• Maintain regulatory paperwork.
• Move and relocate sensitive equipment as needed.
• May participate in the disposal of biological or radioactive waste.

Skills

Proficient communication

Professionalism

Time management

Quality orientation

Education

High school diploma or GED/HSED

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field (preferred)

Job description

OPHTHALMOLOGY (IN-OPTH-IUINA)

Indiana University School of Medicine is a national leader in medical research and education. With more than 60 academic departments and specialty divisions across 9 campuses statewide and strong clinical partnerships with Indiana's most advanced hospitals and physician networks, the school is continuously advancing its mission to prepare healers and transform health in Indiana and throughout the world. Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology is committed to training tomorrow's ophthalmologists and to advancing treatments and prevention of eye diseases and vision disorders through research. The department has invested in talented scientists and faculty known for their clinical expertise. Work done within the department is guided by the core values of excellence, integrity, cooperation and respect for all individuals.

The Imanishi Lab is seeking a motivated, full-time Lab Research Assistant with a strong interest in science and enthusiasm for learning new research techniques. Our lab specializes in molecular biology and high-resolution microscopy, using cutting-edge approaches to investigate the cell biology and neurobiology of the retina.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Assists with laboratory personnel including office staff, technologists, supervisors, and laboratory managers in completing testing
• Manages laboratory equipment and tools essential to the function of everyday activities in the lab
• Assists with basic laboratory experiments and maintenance tasks such as making buffers and solutions, washing dishware, sterilizing lab equipment via autoclave, and other basic research-related tasks
• Prepares supplies for appropriate use in field experiments
• Sets up experiment apparatuses according to established protocols
• Prepares reports and maintains all relevant documentation
• Provides daily recording in lab notebook

General Responsibilities

• Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment
• Monitors and inventories laboratory supply levels
• Assists with and performs routine laboratory procedures and preparations
• Maintains regulatory paperwork
• Moves and relocates sensitive equipment as needed
• May participate in the disposal of biological or radioactive waste

EDUCATION

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED)

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in relevant work field

Skills

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality

Preferred

• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Demonstrates willingness and enthusiasm to learn new skills and techniques
• Openness to working with animals, including Xenopus laevis and mice
• Strong interest in biological sciences and related fields

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 successful candidate will receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced researchers while gaining practical experience with advanced experimental and imaging techniques. This position is well suited for individuals interested in building a career in the biomedical sciences, whether as a research technician, in industry, or in preparation for graduate school, medical school, or other advanced professional training.

Indianapolis, Indiana

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)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Career Level: Foundational

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Laboratory Research

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days.

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

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