Resarch Assistant II - Mouse Surgery and In Vivo Procedcures

The Jackson Laboratory; Bar Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 43,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine is seeking a Research Assistant II to support scientific research under supervision. You will apply established laboratory methods, assist with experimental design, collect and analyze data, and help prepare reports and publications, while contributing to training and progress communication.

Responsibilities include maintaining documentation, coordinating resources, and performing multiple experiments with careful oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 2 years of experience required; 4 years preferred.
• Comprehensive mouse handling and husbandry skills demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot issues in research procedures and refine methods.
• Review and maintain research documentation and methodology updates.
• Manage laboratory resources, inventory, equipment, and workspace coordination.
• Demonstrate procedures and assist in training teammates.
• Organize, analyze, and summarize research data using statistical tools; support manuscript preparation.

Skills

Mouse handling

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Communication

Time management

Lab safety

Teamwork

Training others

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Research Assistant II supports scientific research with minimal supervision, applying established laboratory methods and foundational scientific knowledge to carry out a variety of research activities. Responsibilities include assisting with project planning, contributing to experimental design, performing and refining research procedures, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting the preparation of reports and publications. The role also involves communicating research progress and helping train others as needed.

Key Responsibilities (What you contribute)

Troubleshoots issues in research procedures, adjusts techniques or quality-control measures, and identifies when methods require refinement. Reviews and maintains research documentation, contributing to updates in methodology and collaborating with team members as needed. Manages laboratory resources, including inventory, equipment, and workspace coordination. Shares research knowledge by demonstrating procedures and assisting in training. Performs assigned research tasks using established experimental methods, equipment, data collection tools, and analytical techniques. Organizes, analyzes, and summarizes research data using scientific and statistical tools. Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, presentations, and grant materials. Conducts multiple experiments and maintains associated equipment, ensuring clear and timely communication of results. Demonstrates comprehensive mouse handling and husbandry skills to support research operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (You're good at)

Comprehensive mouse handling and husbandry skills required. Demonstrated ability in development of research protocols. Demonstrated success in coordinating and/or conducting multiple, concurrent assignments or a multi-faceted project. Ability to interact with all individuals in a productive, professional and positive manner to enhance the outcome of the goals of the research program. Established understanding of good lab safety practices and a demonstrated history of lab safe conduct. Self‑motivated with the ability to organize time effectively, demonstrated ability to manage details. Advanced computer skills, ability to develop technical documents and presentations. Demonstrated team player with professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexible. Ability to work flexible shifts (evening/week-end/holiday). Regular, reliable and consistent attendance.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's required / Bachelor's preferred

Experience Requirements

2 years required; 4 years preferred

Supervisory

None

Pay Range

$42,751 - $71,575, pay is determined by years of experience

About JAX

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California, New York, Florida), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

Bar Harbor

The Jackson Laboratory's 43-acre scenic Bar Harbor campus is nestled between the Gulf of Maine and the mountains of Acadia National Park. Some of the best hiking and biking in the world (over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, views, and dramatic coastline) is accessible from our campus. We are one mile from downtown Bar Harbor, which offers a vibrant downtown district with a plethora of restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries.

Ellsworth

The Charles E. Hewett Center in Ellsworth, Maine, is a state-of-the-art facility that serves researchers world wide. The facility represents the culmination of nine decades of unmatched experience and leadership in breeding and caring for laboratory mice. Ellsworth, Maine, is one of Maine’s fastest growing cities. With a growth rate of nearly 20%, Ellsworth is a bustling year-round community and acts as a hub for surrounding towns. It is located nearby Acadia National Park and hosts numerous special events, concerts and festivals each year. Residents have access to fabulous shopping, recreation, museums, galleries, and dining at a variety of independent restaurants.

Farmington

JAX Genomic Medicine is transforming medicine by improving patient care, lowering costs, and increasing life span and health span. JAX Genomic Medicine’s research focuses on the complex genetic causes of disease and on the development of genomic solutions tailored to each person's unique genetic makeup. JAX Genomic Medicine sits on a 17-acre site on the campus of the University of Connecticut Health Center. The 183,500-square-foot facility opened in the fall of 2014. Now, it houses over 300 biomedical researchers, technicians, and support staff in state-of-the-art computing facilities and laboratories. In Connecticut, JAX resides in the scenic town of Farmington, in the state’s capitol region. The Hartford region, which offers some of the best public schools in the country, is made up of both bigger cities and smaller, charming historic New England towns. JAX Genomic Medicine is also geographically located within 2 hours of Boston and New York and is close to multiple transportation systems, including bus lines, highways, railroads and international airports.

Sacramento

The JAX® Mice, Clinical and Research Services facility is located in Sacramento, the state capital of California. Sacramento is less than a two-hour drive from San Francisco, Napa Valley, and scenic Lake Tahoe, and a short flight to both Los Angeles and Orange County. Sacramento is the birthplace of the nation’s Farm to Fork movement, and offers excellent restaurants, gastro-pubs, wineries, theaters, and museums. Outdoor activities are plentiful: Boating, white water rafting, and riding the scenic bicycle trails are popular. Housing and other costs of living are more affordable in Sacramento and its surrounding suburbs than in most other neighboring areas in the North Bay, making Sacramento one of the hottest housing markets in the country year after year.

Augusta

JAX’s Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) is located in Augusta, Maine, in the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care (HACCC), at Maine General Hospital. It began operations in 2016 with three overarching goals: to provide cancer genomic testing for Maine cancer patients; to develop and deliver physician education about clinical genomic cancer diagnostics; and to build a network in Maine of oncology practices conducting studies in genomic medicine.