Research Technician II

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Employee health and wellbeing benefits

Retirement plan options

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science seeks a Research Technician II to support PFAS-related studies on ovarian function. Join a collaborative research team and contribute to data collection, analysis, and publication preparation in a dynamic lab environment.

You will gain exposure to molecular and cellular techniques, tissue collection, and data management while working with researchers across Iowa State and affiliated institutions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 3 years related experience.
• Experience with molecular or cellular laboratory techniques such as RNA isolation, protein extraction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histology, or microscopy.

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 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.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, reproductive physiology, or a related field.

Job description

Required Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience

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?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• 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 discounts
• Employee 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.