Research Assistant II - Mouse Surgery and In Vivo Procedcures

The Jackson Laboratory; Bar Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 43,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, ME is seeking a Research Assistant II to support scientific research with minimal supervision, applying established laboratory methods and foundational knowledge to carry out diverse research activities.

Responsibilities include assisting with project planning, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and helping prepare reports and manuscripts for publications. Prior mouse handling and lab safety practices are important.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in planning and executing lab procedures.
• Experience developing and refining experimental methods.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Knowledge of good lab safety practices.
• Ability to organize time and manage details.
• Skills in developing technical documents and presentations.
• Demonstrated teamwork and flexibility.
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots issues in research procedures and refines methods.
• Reviews and maintains research documentation and updates methodology.
• Manages laboratory resources including inventory and equipment.
• Shares knowledge by teaching procedures and training others.
• Performs assigned tasks using established methods and data tools.

Skills

Mouse handling

Research protocols

Multi-project coordination

Professional communication

Lab safety

Time management

Technical writing

Team player

Flexible shifts

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Research Assistant II supports scientific research with minimal supervision, applying established laboratory methods and foundational scientific knowledge to carry out a variety of research activities. Responsibilities include assisting with project planning, contributing to experimental design, performing and refining research procedures, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting the preparation of reports and publications. The role also involves communicating research progress and helping train others as needed.

Key Responsibilities (What you contribute)

• Troubleshoots issues in research procedures, adjusts techniques or quality‑control measures, and identifies when methods require refinement.
• Reviews and maintains research documentation, contributing to updates in methodology and collaborating with team members as needed.
• Manages laboratory resources, including inventory, equipment, and workspace coordination.
• Shares research knowledge by demonstrating procedures and assisting in training.
• Performs assigned research tasks using established experimental methods, equipment, data collection tools, and analytical techniques.
• Organizes, analyzes, and summarizes research data using scientific and statistical tools.
• Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, presentations, and grant materials.
• Conducts multiple experiments and maintains associated equipment, ensuring clear and timely communication of results.
• Demonstrates comprehensive mouse handling and husbandry skills to support research operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (You're good at)

• Comprehensive mouse handling and husbandry skills required
• Demonstrated ability in development of research protocols
• Demonstrated success in coordinating and/or conducting multiple, concurrent assignments or a multi-faceted project
• Ability to interact with all individuals in a productive, professional and positive manner to enhance the outcome of the goals of the research program
• Established understanding of good lab safety practices and a demonstrated history of lab safe conduct
• Self-motivated with the ability to organize time effectively, demonstrated ability to manage details
• Advanced computer skills, ability to develop technical documents and presentations
• Demonstrated team player with professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexible
• Ability to work flexible shifts (evening/week-end/holiday)
• Regular, reliable and consistent attendance

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's required/ Bachelor's preferred

Experience Requirements: 2 years required; 4 years preferred

Supervisory: None

Pay Range: $42,751 - $71,575, pay is determined by years of experience

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California, New York, Florida), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org .

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.