Laboratory Research Assistant

MEDICAL & MOLECULAR GENETICS (IN-MMGE-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 (IUSM) has a rich history of training geneticists and genetic counselors and providing genetic consultation and counseling services. Currently ranked fifth 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.

The Research Laboratory Assistant provides technical and research support for biomedical studies focused on cardiovascular development and disease. The role maintains animal colonies, performs experiments, analyzes data, optimizes laboratory protocols, maintains laboratory records, reports routinely, and manages laboratory equipment and supplies essential to the function of everyday activities in the lab.

• Performs and assists with in vivo and in vitro experiments.
• Maintains mouse colonies and assists with genotyping, animal handling, treatment, and tissue collection.
• Processes biological samples, such as paraffin embedding and sectioning.
• Performs molecular, cellular, and histological assays, including qPCR, RNAscope, immunofluorescence, and histological staining according to established protocols. Maintains optimal protocol and assay accuracy.
• Assists with data collection, quantitative analysis, and presentation of research findings.
• Maintains accurate experimental records.
• Maintains laboratory work areas, equipment, and inventory of supplies.
• Follows institutional requirements for laboratory safety and animal research.
• Work closely with the principal investigator (PI) and other laboratory personnel to support ongoing research projects. Effectively communicates with team members and contributes to publications, and meetings.

• 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.

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.

• Bachelor's degree in science or a health-related discipline.

• Some laboratory experience.
• Previous research experience in a biomedical laboratory.

• Proficient in 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.

• Ability to perform experiments carefully, accurately, and reproducibly while following established protocols.
• Demonstrated organizational skills including accurate maintenance of laboratory records and experimental data.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team and communicate efficiently.
• Demonstrates commitment to laboratory safety and compliance with institutional policies and applicable research regulations.
• Highly motivated.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct experiments accurately and efficiently while working both independently and collaboratively.

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 is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

This position provides an opportunity to gain experience in basic and translational…