Research Assistant (Lab Research Assistant)

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition subsidy for IU courses

Paid holidays and time off

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Indiana University’s Gill Institute for Neuroscience in Bloomington seeks a lab technician to join a friendly team focused on network neuroscience using behavioral tests and electrophysiology.

The role involves lab maintenance, animal handling, tissue processing, and data collection following established protocols; strong communication and professionalism are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Associate's degree and 4 years of experience in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory maintenance and annual inspections.
• Handle live animals (mice) and breeding; process brain tissue and immunohistochemistry.
• Conduct tests across diverse assays using lab equipment and software; collect data and prepare reports.

Skills

Proficient communication

Time management

Professionalism

Initiative

Customer relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience

Associate's degree + 4 years experience

Job description

Department GILL INSTITUTE FOR NEUROSCIENC (UA-GILL-IUBLA)Department Information The Linda and Jack Gill Institute for Neuroscience was established to advance the understanding of complex brain processes and to train next generation scientists in state-of-the‑art approaches in the field of neuroscience. The Gill Institute brings together multidisciplinary teams of world‑class faculty interested in understanding brain functions under physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, the Gill Institute provides training to graduate students from a range of disciplines in the use and development of measurement techniques and instrumentation, as well as an opportunity for undergraduate students to be involved in cutting‑edge research projects. It also provides a platform for interaction with industry in order to identify important problems and to commercialize advances. Finally, the Gill Institute widely disseminates advances in neuroscience methods.

Job Summary A person in this role will join a friendly and motivated team with interests in network neuroscience using behavioral tests and electrophysiology.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory maintenance.
• Manages annual inspections.
• Handles live animals (mice).
• Manages mice breeding, brain tissue processing, including perfusion and brain slice preparation and immunohistochemistry.

General Responsibilities

• Conduct tests across a diverse array of assays using laboratory machinery and computer programs.
• Tests and sets up lab equipment.
• Collects data and prepares reports based upon established protocols.
• Attends and participates in departmental meetings.
• Orders, receives, and inventories laboratory supplies.
• Cleans glassware and maintains laboratory work areas.
• Troubleshoots breakdowns, performs preventive maintenance, and calls for repairs as needed.
• Maintains logs and equipment record books.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Associate's degree and 4 years of experience in a laboratory setting.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Previous research experience in neuroanatomical techniques.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly thorough and dependable.
• Possesses a high degree of initiative.
• Ability to build strong customer relationships.

Preferred

• Maintains strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail.
• Possesses strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory setting with minimal supervision as part of a research team.

Working Conditions / Demands

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

Applications received by June 15th, 2026 will receive full consideration

Work Location Bloomington, Indiana

Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: MasteryFLSA: NonexemptJob Function: ResearchJob Family: Laboratory Research

Equal Employment Opportunity Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

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