Laboratory Research Assistant

MMGE - MOLECULAR GENETICS (IN-MOLG-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 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.

• 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.

• Responsible for the initiation, monitoring, completion, and reporting…