Research Technician II

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Retirement benefits including defined

Generous vacation, holiday, and sick

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Life insurance and long-termdisabilit

Job summary

Iowa State University, Department of Animal Science, in Ames, IA, is seeking a Research Technician II to support innovative research on PFAS effects on ovarian function and reproductive health. You will work across animal research, molecular and cellular lab techniques, and data analysis.

The role offers opportunities to collaborate with researchers across Iowa State and other universities, with professional development and a strong team-based environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3 years of related experience
• 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

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.

Skills

RNA isolation

Protein extraction

Western blotting

Immunohistochemistry

Histology

Microscopy

Data analysis

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

Animal handling

Job description

Position Title: Research Technician II

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 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.

Job Facts

• 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
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical and dental benefits
• 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

Company Culture

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land- grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land- grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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].

Accommodation and Background Check

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.