Research Technician Wet Lab Focus (Research Technician), Molecular Biology and Cell Culture

Department

MMGE - GENE TESTING LAB (IN-GTL-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 Insititues 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

The Azaiez-Booth Laboratory is seeking a highly skilled and motivated research technician to support basic and translational research on the genetic underpinnings of human disease. The laboratory investigates molecular and genetic mechanisms of human disease using a range of experimental approaches in a collaborative biomedical research environment. This is a predominantly wet-lab with a majority of effort dedicated to bench-based experimental work in an active research laboratory environment.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Performs data analysis, figure preparation, and research documentation.
• Performs and troubleshoots molecular biology experiments including polymerase chain reaction (PCR/qPCR), bacterial cloning, plasmid preparation (miniprep/midiprep), DNA and RNA isolation, DNA/RNA quality control (QC) and quantification, agarose gel electrophoresis, and preparation of samples for Sanger sequencing.
• Performs Western blotting workflows, including protein quantification (e.g., Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) or Bradford assays), gel electrophoresis, transfer, antibody-based detection, imaging, use of appropriate controls, and quantitative analysis.
• Performs mammalian cell culture experiments, including routine culture maintenance, freezing/thawing, sterile technique, and contamination prevention, transfections, cell harvest, and preparation of samples for downstream applications (DNA/RNA/protein).
• Utilizes standard laboratory instrumentation (e.g., plate readers, microscopy systems) to support experimental workflows and data generation.
• Maintains detailed, accurate, and well-organized experimental records and contributes to rigorous documentation, reproducibility, and data quality.
• Maintains mouse colonies including breeding coordination, colony tracking, and genotyping.
• Performs mouse and tissue-related procedures including sample collection and dissections; supports additional in vivo experiments as needed.
• Participates in animal work as a routine component of the position.
• Analyzes experimental data and prepares figures for internal presentations, reports, and manuscripts.
• Supports laboratory operations including inventory management and ordering of approved supplies and reagents.
• Assists with maintaining laboratory compliance and documentation, including biosafety materials, Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)-related documentation, safety records, and equipment logs.
• Contributes to laboratory organization, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and general research workflow efficiency.
• Collaborates effectively with the principal investigators (PI) and laboratory members to meet project goals and timelines.
• Provides technical guidance to students and junior laboratory personnel as appropriate.
• Works independently, troubleshoots experiments, maintains high-quality documentation, and contributes productively to ongoing research projects with minimal supervision.

General Responsibilities

• Performs a wide variety of complex experiments and reports results.
• Organizes analytical data of performed experiments. May submit findings for publication.
• Installs and maintains research equipment.
• Acts as a liaison to students and laboratory personnel for training.
• Maintains laboratory supply requisition and management.
• Trains junior-level staff.
• Plans experiments and short-term goals.

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 a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years of related research experience.

Preferred

• 3 years of recent hands-on laboratory experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with animal models, including mouse colony maintenance, breeding coordination, tissue collection, dissections, and genotyping.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Preferred

• Valid drivers license with the ability to be insured by Indiana University.

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.
• Possesses a high degree of initiative.
• Ability to build strong customer relationships.

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience with common laboratory instrumentation such as plate readers, gel imaging systems, and microscopy systems, and ability to generate and interpret experimental data from these platforms.
• Strong experimental judgment.
• Ability to read and interpret scientific literature and apply it to experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Experience contributing to data analysis, figure preparation, and research documentation in support of internal presentations or manuscripts.
• Substantial hands-on experience in molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, and protein-based laboratory techniques.

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.

This position may require travel in order to service various research sites.

This position is laboratory-based and includes routine work with animal models.

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The person in this position reports directly to the PIs and works closely with other laboratory personnel, trainees, and collaborators.

Work Location

Indiana University Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

This is an in-person position.

Advertised Salary

$42,677.20 - 47,677.20 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: Mastery

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Research Analysis

Click here to learn more about Indiana Universitys Job Framework.

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.

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.

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