Research Technician II: PFAS & Reproductive Health Lab

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

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.