Research Assistant II/III - Developmental Biology - Tornabene Lab

Cincinnati Children's Office of Academic Affairs and Career Development; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 53,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tornabene Lab at Cincinnati Children’s is seeking a motivated Research Assistant II or III to join an innovative program using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organoid models to advance gene-based therapies.

The role emphasizes strong cell-culture experience—particularly with stem cells or organoids—to contribute to projects involving gene delivery through transfection and viral vectors, while expanding skills in PCR, electrophoresis, and Western blotting.

Qualifications

• RAII: High school diploma and 2 years of related experience.
• RAIII: Bachelor's degree in related field plus 1 year related experience or Master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments and record data; follow protocols and troubleshoot as needed.
• Analyze data and perform statistical/graphical analyses.
• Train junior staff and undergraduates in lab techniques.
• Maintain lab equipment, inventory, and cell cultures.
• Contribute to reports, publications, and presentations.

Skills

Cell culture (stem cells)

Molecular biology

PCR

Western blotting

Electrophoresis

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Transfection

Viral vectors

Organoid culture

Job description

Primary Location

Location R

Department

DB - Wells

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Schedule

Full time

Weekly Hours

40

FTE

1

Employee Status

Regular

The Tornabene Lab at Cincinnati Children’s is seeking a motivated Research Assistant II or III to join an innovative research program using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organoid models to advance the development of gene-based therapies. This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher with strong cell-culture experience—particularly with stem cells or organoids—to contribute to projects involving gene delivery through transfection and viral vectors, while expanding skills in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, electrophoresis, and Western blotting. The lab is looking for someone who is eager to learn, take increasing ownership of their work, collaborate with the research team, and grow with the program over the course of this grant-funded project.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform experiments and record data - Follow established research protocols. Understand the scientific principles involved in the research. Apply those principles to troubleshoot and modify procedures and techniques when appropriate. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments. Analyze data and perform statistical and graphical analysis of data. Design and execute daily laboratory experiments in coordination with senior laboratory personnel. Apply standard protocols to specific experiments. Assists in training post doctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment. Capable of directing an undergraduate trainee in simple, well-established procedures. Maintains an active role in laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications. Contributes material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts. Able to orally present data in group presentations.
• Research and improve current methods - Utilize internal and external resources to reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques, bring in new techniques or modify existing techniques. Evaluate innovative techniques
• Serve as a Resource - Demonstrate competence in specific knowledge, skills and behaviors. Effectively communicate with team members and contribute to their growth by sharing knowledge, experience, and skills. Stay abreast of changes in key systems. Serve as a resource to the department in specific area(s).
• Lab Administration -Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Troubleshoot and/or make modifications as necessary to established procedures. Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Maintain cell cultures. Operate standard laboratory equipment. Willing and able to assist in daily operations of the laboratory including answering phone, maintaining lab supplies, organization, and cleanliness. Maintains optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality checks. Provides appropriate safety monitoring checks as assigned (radiation safety, biosafety, etc.)
• Customer Service - Maintain/manage strong working relationships with clients, colleagues, and other key stakeholders. Respond to requests quickly and effectively. Identify and understand customer needs and expectations and meets them. Communicate any relevant information to clients, colleagues, and other key stakeholders

Job Qualifications

• Required for RAII:
• High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline OR
• Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Required for RAIII:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience OR Master's degree in a related field

Expected Starting Range

20.57 – 25.72/hr (RAII)

52,624-62,150.40 annually (RAIII)

About Us

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s.

Cincinnati Children's Is

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as atop 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years
• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH)Funding
• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
• One of the nation'sAmerica’s Most Innovative Companiesas noted by Fortune
• Consistently certified as great place to work
• A Leading Disability Employeras noted by theNational Organization on Disability
• Magnet designated for the fourth consecutive time by theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive Job Description Provided Upon Request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability