Research Assistant II/III - Molecular Cardiovascular Biology - Ikegami Lab

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

Job summary

The Ikegami Lab at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is seeking a Research Assistant to study molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular and age-related diseases. You will work on gene regulation, chromatin organization, and laminopathies using functional genomics, microscopy, stem cell differentiation, and bioinformatics in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities include performing experiments, recording data, troubleshooting, training staff, and contributing to reports and

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments, record data, and follow established protocols with accuracy.
• Troubleshoot and modify procedures; maintain detailed lab records and analyze data.
• Train junior personnel and undergraduates; present data in group settings.
• Assist in lab administration, safety checks, and inventory management.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Record keeping

Data analysis

Oral communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Microscopy

Cell culture

Statistical software (R/GraphPad)

Job description

Primary LocationLocation TDepartmentMol. Cardio. BiologyShiftDay (United States of America)ScheduleFull timeWeekly Hours40FTE1Employee StatusRegular

The Ikegami Lab is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join our dynamic team investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and age-associated diseases. Our research centers on the biological functions of the nuclear envelope, with a particular focus on gene regulation, chromatin organization, and the pathogenesis of laminopathies-including cardiomyopathies and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria. Using cutting-edge techniques in functional genomics, microscopy, stem cell differentiation, animal models and bioinformatics, we aim to uncover fundamental principles of nuclear structure and dynamics in human health and disease. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a collaborative and innovative environment.

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 Hourly Rate: 20.57 - 25.72/hr (RAII) 52,624-62,150.40 (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