Research Technician II

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits (defined benefit/2

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Research Technician II to support pioneering PFAS-related ovarian function research. You will work within the Department of Animal Science, gaining exposure to animal handling, molecular biology, and data analysis, contributing to projects with potential health implications.

The role emphasizes teamwork, protocol development, and training junior staff, in a collaborative environment that supports career development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, reproductive physiology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with molecular or cellular laboratory techniques such as RNA isolation, protein extraction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histology, or microscopy preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate laboratory activities, prepare reagents and experimental materials, and maintain accurate research records and inventories.
• Perform animal research procedures, including dosing, breeding colony management, tissue collection, necropsy support, and biological sample processing per approved protocols.
• Conduct molecular and cellular techniques such as RNA isolation, protein extraction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histological processing, microscopy, and follicle quantification.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and maintain data from animal studies and experiments with data quality and integrity.
• Prepare datasets, summaries, figures, and reports to support publications, presentations, and grant reporting.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Assist with developing and validating protocols and recommending improvements.
• Train undergraduate and graduate personnel on research techniques and safety practices.
• Communicate findings and recommendations with the principal investigator and team.

Skills

Laboratory teamwork

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in biology/related field

Tools

RNA isolation

Protein extraction

Western blotting

Immunohistochemistry

Histology

Microscopy

Job description

Position Title: Research Technician II

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience

Job Description:

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is seeking a Research Technician II to support innovative research investigating how environmental exposures, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), affect ovarian function and reproductive health.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research with potential implications for human health, addressing important questions in reproductive health that affect roughly half of the population, while developing expertise across animal research, molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, and research data analysis. You'll join a team that invests in professional development, provides opportunities to work with researchers across Iowa State and other universities, and supports individual career goals. You'll be part of a collaborative environment where strong organization, communication, and teamwork are essential to keeping research moving forward.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate laboratory activities, prepare reagents and experimental materials, and maintain accurate research records and inventories.
• Perform animal research procedures, including dosing, breeding colony management, tissue collection, necropsy support, and biological sample processing in accordance with approved research protocols.
• Conduct molecular and cellular laboratory techniques such as RNA isolation, protein extraction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histological processing, microscopy, and follicle quantification.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and maintain research data from animal studies and laboratory experiments, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and integrity.
• Prepare datasets, summaries, figures, and reports to support research publications, presentations, grant reporting, and other project needs.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and specialized research equipment, addressing technical issues that may affect experimental outcomes.
• Assist with developing, optimizing, and validating laboratory protocols and research methods and recommend improvements to laboratory processes.
• Train and provide technical guidance to undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel on research techniques, laboratory procedures, and safety practices.
• Communicate research findings, technical concerns, and recommendations with the principal investigator and research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, reproductive physiology, or a related field.
• Experience with molecular or cellular laboratory techniques such as RNA isolation, protein extraction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histology, or microscopy.
• Experience with animal handling, dosing, tissue collection, or other animal-based research procedures.
• Experience collecting, organizing, analyzing, or interpreting research data.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory procedures, assays, or research equipment.
• Experience training or providing technical guidance to students or other laboratory personnel.

This is a term appointment that may have opportunity for renewal.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discountsEmployee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term: November 15, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period

Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: PS805

Original Posting Date: October 8, 2026

Posting Close Date: October 21, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R20042

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail] .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.