Research Assistant (Alzheimers & Related Dementias)

Indiana Biosciences Research Institute•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) Therapeutic Area at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support the development, optimization, and execution of biochemical- and cell-based assays for drug discovery and translational research projects. This position will initially involve close collaboration with scientists within the NIH/NIA-funded IUSM-Purdue TREAT-AD Center, a nationally recognized translational initiative focused on enabling and validating novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The IBRI offers a highly collaborative research environment that bridges academic research and industry best practices, with close interaction among medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and translational biology teams. Located in central Indiana, the IBRI provides access to a robust AD research ecosystem and co-location with leading investigators and programs focused on CNS biology and therapeutic development. The Research Associate will play a key role in advancing target enablement efforts by developing, optimizing, and executing robust in vitro assays to characterize the molecular pharmacology against CNS targets in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Requirements

BS or MA/MS Biology, Molecular biology, Bioengineering, or a related field is required.
Hands-on laboratory experience (academic, industry, or core facility) required
Familiarity with basic molecular biology, biochemistry, or cell culture techniques
Strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and communication skills are required
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.
Must be open to learning new techniques

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with assay development and/or high-throughput screening
Experience with automated liquid handling systems and plate-based assays
Familiarity with fluorescence, luminescence, or absorbance-based readouts
Experience with assays involving IPSC derived cell types
Experience with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, or HTS analysis tools)

Responsibilities

Maintaining a detailed and accurate laboratory notebook of experimental methods, SOPs, notes, and results.
Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for multiple research projects.
Conduct experiments with human and animal cell culture, including: Maintenances of different cell culture lines with aseptic techniques
Assist in the development, optimization, and validation of biochemical and cell-based assays
Perform other assays on-demand such as histology assays such as IF, FACS, qPCR, western.
Prepare reagents, buffers, media, compound plates, and assay-ready plates
Monitor and order laboratory supplies
Perform basic data analysis and quality control checks
Assist with data organization, reporting, and transfer to investigators
Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects.
Present results at lab meetings and with external collaborators
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and institutional policies