Research Assistant I (Kettenbach Lab)

Dartmouth College; Lebanon, Northern (NH, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth College in Lebanon, NH is seeking a Research Assistant I to support the Kettenbach Lab focusing on phosphatases and proteomics. The role involves conducting experiments, collecting data, and collaborating with principal investigators to advance research goals.

Requires a Bachelor's degree with 2–3 years of lab experience; opportunities include preparing data for manuscripts, attending lab meetings, and contributing to a dynamic, safety-conscious research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Biological Science or equivalent.
• Two years of relevant laboratory/research experience.
• Proficiency with standard lab methods and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conducts experiments using established methods.
• Sets up and assists with research protocols under supervision.
• Observes results, maintains records, and troubleshoots problems.
• Represents progress at lab meetings and assists in data analysis.
• Collaborates with PI to develop new techniques.
• Maintains safety and proper waste disposal.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lab methods

Independent work

Time management

Hazardous materials

Computing skills

Data analysis software

Education

Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences

Job description

Position Information

Posting date 09/22/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Number 1129712

Position Title

Hiring Range Minimum $20.00

Hiring Range Maximum $23.00

Union Type Not a Union Position

SEIU Level Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status Non-Exempt

Employment Category Regular Full Time

Scheduled Months per Year 12

Scheduled Hours per Week 40

Schedule Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm with flexibility for occasionally evenings or weekends as driven by the research needs.

Location of Position Lebanon, NH

Remote Work Eligibility? Onsite only

Is this a term position? No

If yes, length of term in months. N/A

Is this a grant funded position? Yes

Position Purpose

Seeking a Research Assistant I to support the laboratory of Dr. Arminja Kettenbach (Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Dartmouth Cancer Center). The Kettenbach lab focuses on the role that Phosphoprotein Phosphatases play in maintaining cellular homeostasis and how these processes go awry in diseases such as cancer. Furthermore, the lab uses and develops mass spectrometry-based proteomics and phosphoproteomics approaches.

Description

This posting is for a Research Assistant position in the Kettenbach Lab. We are simultaneously recruiting for this role at the Research Assistant I, Research Assistant II, and Research Assistant III levels, depending on candidate experience and qualifications — however, only one position will ultimately be filled.

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp

Bachelors plus 2-3 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Education

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the Biological Sciences or the equivalent.

Experience

• Two years of relevant laboratory/ research experience.

Skills & Knowledge

• Competence in several laboratory methods, procedures and techniques as well as the equipment and instruments.
• Ability to work independently and apply critical thinking and sound judgment.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Willingness to work with/be exposed to hazardous materials such as radioactive materials, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of computers and software applications.
• Knowledge of standard computer software packages for data analysis and presentation, and on-line literature search engines.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries Alicea Bursey

Department Contact Phone Number 603-646-5221

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title

Department Contact's Phone Number

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Preferred, but not required

Duties

• Conducts experiments by applying established methods and procedures.
• Sets up and assists with research protocols and experiments under the general guidance of the principal investigators and other senior investigators in the laboratory; may have primary responsibility for independently setting up, performing and trouble shooting less complex experiments.
• Observes experimental results in progress and maintains written records of activities and observations; applies past experience and precedents to identify and troubleshoot problems.
• Anticipates unexpected findings and assists in troubleshooting techniques.
• Reconciles results that are disparate from anticipated findings; re-runs techniques as necessary.
• Reports experimental results to the principal investigator and other senior laboratory personnel and assists in their analysis.
• Collaborates with the Principal Investigator in investigating and developing modifications to techniques and documents all new techniques developed in the laboratory.
• Adheres to laboratory safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods.

Percentage Of Time 50%

Description

Records:

• Collects and analyzes data resulting from experimentation/testing.
• Summarizes results and prepares progress reports for oral presentation at laboratory meetings.
• Prepares appropriate and understandable representations of data such as graphs, charts, tables, statistical summaries, etc.
• Contributes to the preparation of scientific manuscripts by drafting portions of the text, preparing graphs, tables, and charts, etc.
• Conducts literature searches to assist in establishing new laboratory techniques.

Percentage Of Time 20%

Description

Laboratory:

• Accomplishes day‑day care and housekeeping of laboratory.
• Assess the need for and orders all supplies and reagents needed for experiments.
• Assists in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and safety records, and in the preparation of routine reagents.
• Monitors laboratory equipment and instrument performance; obtains maintenance and repair as necessary.
• Maintains computerized records associated with laboratory activities.
• Instructs others in laboratory methods, procedures, and techniques and provides technical guidance and direction as required.
• May assist in the maintenance of transgenic mouse colonies including weighing of animals, setting up pairs of animals for mating, and entering data into computerized data bases.
• May assist in surgical procedures.

Percentage Of Time 30%

Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Dartmouth College Office of Human Resources | 7 Lebanon Street Suite 203 | Hanover, NH 03755 | Ph 603.646.3411 | [e-mail]