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

MMGE - GENE TESTING LAB (IN-GTL-IUINA)

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.

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.

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work…