Laboratory Research Assistant

Department

MMGE - MOLECULAR GENETICS (IN-MOLG-IUINA)

Department Information

One of the first human genetics departments in the country, the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine has a rich history of training geneticists and genetic counselors and providing genetic consultation and counseling services. Currently ranked 5th in the nation among Genetics Departments for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding, received in 2023, the department contributes to the understanding of numerous genetic conditions through the integration of basic research in genetic and genomic mechanisms, translational research in disease models, and clinical trials in rare and common genetic diseases.

Job Summary

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Provides technical and operational support for biomedical research projects investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human diseases.
• Assists with animal identification and genotyping, experimental procedures, biological specimen collection and processing, and histological analyses.
• Assists with the management of genetically engineered mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, animal identification, and genotyping.
• Collects tissue samples for genotyping and perform routine DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis following established protocols.
• Assists with establishing breeding pairs and maintaining breeding colonies according to experimental needs.
• Conducts routine animal health and well-being checks and reports abnormalities to senior laboratory personnel.
• Assists with animal treatments, including injections and administration of experimental compounds.
• Assists with animal euthanasia, necropsies, and tissue collection in accordance with approved protocols.
• Maintains accurate animal records, including breeding histories, genotyping results, experimental procedures, and colony inventories.
• Assists with periodic colony inventories and maintenance of breeding stock.
• Assists with the collection, dissection, processing, and preservation of mouse tissues for downstream analyses.
• Assists with tissue fixation, post-fixation, and preparation of fresh-frozen specimens.
• Assists with animal perfusion and preparation of tissues for histological and molecular analyses.
• Prepares and organizes tissue samples for submission to institutional histology and other research core facilities.
• Maintains accurate records of collected specimens, experimental procedures, and tissue inventories.
• Assists with the preparation and administration of experimental treatments, including tamoxifen and other compounds.
• Assists with the preparation and processing of tissue specimens for histological analyses.
• Performs routine histological staining following established laboratory protocols.
• Assists with the acquisition of images using light or fluorescence microscopy.
• Assists with basic image analysis and quantification of histological features.
• Organizes and maintains histological images, experimental data, and associated records.
• Maintains accurate electronic records and spreadsheets related to animal colonies, experimental procedures, tissue collections, and histological analyses.
• Enters, organizes, and verifies experimental data to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Prepares reagents, buffers, and solutions required for routine laboratory procedures.
• Assists with laboratory inventory management, equipment maintenance, and organization of laboratory supplies.
• Participates in laboratory meetings and coordinates daily activities with other research personnel.
• Follows established laboratory procedures and complies with institutional animal care, biosafety, and laboratory safety requirements.

General Responsibilities

• Responsible for the initiation, monitoring, completion, and reporting of routine to moderately complex research studies.
• Organizes and implements data review and analysis.
• Oversees the proper handling of laboratory specimens including processes, shipping, storage, and documentation and transfer to designated central laboratories.
• Conducts data quality assurance practices.
• Prepares research summaries and assists in progress report development.
• Maintains laboratory work areas and supply inventory.

Qualifications

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.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelors degree in science or health-related discipline.

Preferred

• Postsecondary education in biology, animal science, biotechnology, or a related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred

• Laboratory experience.
• Experience in a biomedical research laboratory.
• Experience with tissue collection, processing, histological staining, or microscopy.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient written and verbal 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.

Preferred

• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and electronic recordkeeping.
• Familiarity with laboratory mouse handling, breeding, identification, and genotyping.
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including PCR and DNA extraction.

Working Conditions / Demands

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.

The position involves regular work in biomedical research laboratories and animal research facilities. Duties may include handling laboratory mice, biological specimens, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. All animal procedures will be conducted following appropriate training and in accordance with approved institutional protocols and safety requirements.

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Technical skills and prior experience with all laboratory techniques are not required at the time of hiring. The successful candidate will receive training in procedures and techniques they have not yet mastered. We are primarily seeking an individual who demonstrates honesty, accountability, reliability, meticulousness, ability to follow procedures, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to learning and performing their responsibilities carefully and consistently. These personal and professional qualities are more important than prior experience with specific laboratory techniques.

The successful candidate will receive hands-on training in laboratory procedures and techniques relevant to their responsibilities. Training will be tailored to the individuals prior experience and may include mouse colony management, genotyping, animal handling, tissue collection, histological techniques, and laboratory documentation.

Work Location

Indiana University Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$39,720.00 per year to $44,720.00 per year based on experience and internal equity within the department

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• 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.

Job Classification

Career Level: Intermediate

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Laboratory Research

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Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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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