Research Assistant (Lab Research Assistant)

Indiana University Bloomington; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Tuition subsidy

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Indiana University Bloomington's Gill Institute for Neuroscience seeks a lab technician to support a network neuroscience project using behavioral tests and electrophysiology. You will help with tissue processing, data collection, and reports per established protocols.

The role requires Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a lab setting and 2+ years of related experience, with strong communication and organizational skills. On-site Bloomington location with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or associate degree with laboratory experience as stated.
• Experience handling laboratory equipment and maintaining logs is preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory maintenance and supports routine tests with equipment.
• Manages annual inspections and handles live animals (mice).
• Performs tissue processing, perfusion, brain slicing, and immunohistochemistry.
• Collects data, prepares reports, and maintains records and inventories.
• Participates in meetings and assists with ordering and stocking supplies.

Skills

Communication

Professionalism

Time management

Quality focus

Adaptability

Reliability

Initiative

Customer relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in lab setting

Associate's degree in lab setting

Job description

GILL INSTITUTE FOR NEUROSCIENC (UA-GILL-IUBLA)

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.

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.

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.

Required Education/Work Experience

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

Preferred 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 Skills

• 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.

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.

Location

Bloomington, Indiana

Benefits

• 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.

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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