Research Assistant II/III/IV - Endocrinology - Nakamura Lab

Cincinnati Children's; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children’s is seeking a Research Assistant in Endocrinology to support obesity and metabolic disease research using mouse and cell culture models. You will design and perform experiments, analyze data, and maintain thorough records under the guidance of the Nakamura Lab.

The role includes mentoring junior staff, assisting in hiring decisions, and handling routine lab administration, training, and procedural development to advance publications and presentations. Day shift, full-time.

Qualifications

• Experience with design and execution of experiments and data analysis.
• Ability to reproduce and improve lab techniques and protocols.
• Mentor and support junior staff and trainees.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments; record data; follow and improve protocols; analyze and interpret results.
• Lead and mentor junior staff; assist in hiring decisions and professional development.
• Lab administration: troubleshoot equipment, provide MSDS training, ensure quality checks and inventory.
• Develop, set up and verify new procedures; evaluate innovative techniques; contribute to publications.
• Serve as a resource; share knowledge and stay updated on key systems and lab practices.

Skills

Lab techniques

Statistical analysis

Data recording

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

Primary Location: Location T

Department: Endocrinology

Shift: Day (United States of America)

Schedule: Full time

Weekly Hours: 40

FTE: 1

Employee Status: Regular

The Nakamura Lab at Cincinnati Children’s is seeking a Research Assistant to support innovative research investigating obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease. Using mouse and cell culture models, the lab studies how RNA networks affect glucose and lipid metabolism, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic approaches.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments and record data - Follow and formulate both existing and new research protocols. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used. Analyze data, perform statistical and graphical analysis of data, and interpret results. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments. Assist in training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment. Contribute and write material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications.
• Leadership - May act as a mentor to more junior staff, serve as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance and work direction. May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development and performance management.
• Lab Administration - Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) training according to regulations. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Assists in daily operations of the laboratory including answering phone, maintaining lab supplies, organization, and cleanliness. Provide appropriate oversight for all required compliance issues as requested by the Principal Investigator.
• Develop, set-up, and verify new procedures in the lab - Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Participate in the development of new assays and testing of new protocols. Modify existing procedures as necessary to troubleshoot or make modifications based on changes in research design.
• Serve as a Resource - Demonstrate advanced 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 an expert resource to the department, and/or hospital in specific area(s).

Job Qualifications

• Required for RAII:
• High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline ORPreferred:
• 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
• Required for RAIV:
• Bachelor's degree in a related field 3 years of experience in related job discipline OR Master's degree and 2 years experience

Expected Starting Range

20.57 – 25.72/hr (RAII) 52,624-62,150.40 (RAIII) 56,846.40-72,488 (RAIV)

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