Lab Assistant

Temple University • Philadelphia, PA

11d

About The Position

Temple University's School of Medicine seeks a full-time, entry-level Lab Assistant to support research on neuromodulation and gene-based therapies for recovery after rodent spinal cord injury. The position works closely with the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other laboratory members on preclinical studies using rodent models.

The Lab Assistant supports animal handling and care, surgeries, post-operative monitoring, behavioral assessments, and tissue and laboratory analyses. The role may also involve molecular biology methods, including DNA preparation, PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, cell culture, and viral-vector production and validation. The position maintains accurate laboratory records and data, helps prepare reagents and maintain supplies and equipment, and follows applicable animal care, biosafety, and laboratory safety procedures. Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential.

This is a grant-funded position and requires a criminal history review. The stated salary is $23.11 per hour. Employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial, and other conflicts of interest and to comply with applicable laws, University and employment policies, and regulations.

Requirements

• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and scientific procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow written protocols.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with standard computer software applications.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience with rodent handling, stereotaxic or other rodent surgeries, behavioral testing, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, or viral-vector methods; experience is preferred but not required.
• Prior research experience in a biological science laboratory.
• Strong interest in developing research skills in preparation for future graduate or professional training in biomedical sciences.

Responsibilities

• Perform rodent handling, animal surgeries, post-operative monitoring, behavioral assessments, and routine animal care in accordance with approved institutional protocols.
• Perform tissue collection, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and basic image analysis.
• Perform applicable molecular biology techniques, including DNA preparation, PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, cell culture, and viral-vector production and validation.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records.
• Collect, organize, and accurately record experimental data.
• Maintain laboratory inventories and assist with ordering laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate receipt, organization, and storage of laboratory shipments and supplies.
• Clean, organize, and maintain laboratory workspaces and equipment.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and institutional policies.
• Perform animal-related activities in accordance with approved institutional protocols and applicable laboratory procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• 9 federally observed paid holidays.
• 3 personal days.
• Tuition remission; eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree tuition-free.
• A generous retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed