Research Assistant II/III - Developmental Biology - Tornabene Lab

CO00 Children's Hospital Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is seeking a Research Assistant II or III to join a lab using induced pluripotent stem cells and organoid models to advance gene-based therapies. The role emphasizes strong cell-culture experience with stem cells or organoids, including gene delivery via transfection and viral vectors.

The position involves performing experiments, maintaining records, data analysis, and collaboration with the research team.

Qualifications

• Required for RAII: High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of related work experience OR Bachelor’s degree.
• Required for RAIII: Bachelor's degree in related field AND 1 year related experience OR Master’s degree in related field.
• Expected Starting Range: 20.57 – 25.72/hr (RAII) 52,624-62,150.40 annually (RAIII)

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments and record data following protocols.
• Maintain accurate and detailed lab records.
• Analyze data and perform statistical and graphical analysis.
• Design and execute daily experiments with senior staff.
• Train and supervise undergraduate trainees or junior staff.
• Maintain lab equipment and inventory.
• Support lab meetings, presentations, and publications.
• Communicate results effectively with team members.

Skills

Cell culture

Organoids

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

PCR

Western blotting

Transfection

Virus vectors

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.

EEO/Veteran/Disability

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.