Research Assistant II/III - Developmental Biology - Tornabene Lab

Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tornabene Lab at Cincinnati Children's is seeking a Research Assistant II or III to join an innovative program using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organoid models to advance gene-based therapies. This role emphasizes strong cell-culture experience with stem cells or organoids and contributes to gene delivery via transfection and viral vectors, while expanding molecular biology skills.

Responsibilities include performing experiments, recording data, troubleshooting protocols, and

Qualifications

• RAII: High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline
• RAIII: Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience OR Master's degree in a related field
• Experience with cell culture, stem cells, or organoids is preferred

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments and record data according to established protocols.
• Train junior personnel in lab techniques and equipment.
• Analyze data and assist in preparing reports and publications.
• Maintain cell cultures and laboratory inventory.
• Ensure safety and quality through regular checks and documentation.

Skills

Cell culture

Stem cells

Organoids

Molecular biology

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

PCR

Western blot

Electrophoresis

Transfection

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.

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 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's America's Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune
• Consistently certified as great place to work
• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability
• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American 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 su