Research Assistant II/III - Reproductive Sciences - DeFalco Lab

Cincinnati Children's; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Reproductive Sciences lab. The role supports studies on gonad development, spermatogonial differentiation, and vascular niches using mouse models and molecular/imaging methods.

The position involves performing experiments, data recording, training staff, and contributing to publications. Responsibilities include maintaining cell cultures, inventory, safety checks, and coordinating with senior personnel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2 years of related work experience OR a related bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of related experience or Master’s degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments and record data following established protocols; troubleshoot and modify procedures; maintain detailed records and analyze data.
• Design and execute daily lab experiments; train/postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior staff; supervise undergraduates as needed.
• Research and improve current methods; reproduce, evaluate, and implement new techniques; stay up to date with key systems.
• Maintain lab operations including inventory, cell cultures, equipment, safety checks, and basic admin tasks.
• Build strong relationships with clients and team members; communicate results and contribute to reports and presentations.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Job description

Primary Location

Location S

Department

Reproductive Sciences

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Schedule

Full time

Weekly Hours

40

FTE

1

Employee Status

Regular

The De Falco Lab is seeking a Research Assistant to support innovative research in reproductive and developmental biology. The lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate gonad development and function, with a focus on fetal gonad morphogenesis, spermatogonial differentiation, and vascular and stem cell niches. Using mouse models and a range of molecular and imaging approaches, the team works to better understand reproductive development and conditions including differences of sexual development and infertility.

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/year (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 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 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