Research Assistant II

Nemours Children's Health•Wilmington, DE

11h

About The Position

The Research Assistant II performs primary laboratory research and conducts original research for internally and externally funded projects. The role supports manuscript and report preparation, day-to-day project management, and coordination of sample and data collection. It also supports laboratory administration by organizing supplies, maintaining safety records, assisting with regulatory reporting, and developing and maintaining computerized project records, which may include web-based forms and limited programming. The position manages routine mouse-colony and animal-husbandry activities, supports experiments and approved animal procedures after required training, maintains complete laboratory and animal records, and compiles and presents research data. The Research Assistant II works under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and collaborates with laboratory members and research partners. Weekend or holiday coverage may be required for animal care or experimental needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
At least one year of relevant laboratory research experience; qualifying experience may include paid employment, sustained undergraduate research, or a research internship.

Nice To Haves

Substantial hands-on laboratory or animal research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage routine mouse-colony and animal-husbandry activities, including breeding, weaning, animal identification, colony census, cage-card and database maintenance, and genotyping coordination.
Monitor animals and colony records, and promptly communicate health, breeding, or welfare concerns to the Principal Investigator and appropriate animal-care or veterinary personnel.
Perform or assist with approved animal procedures, sample collection, tissue processing, and experimental preparation after required training and competency verification.
Support laboratory experiments, which may include preparing reagents, buffers, and media; cell or tissue culture; molecular biology assays; histology and immunostaining; microscopy; flow cytometry; and basic biochemical assays, depending on project needs and training.
Take day-to-day ownership of assigned experiments under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, including reviewing plans, carrying out protocols, identifying technical problems, discussing troubleshooting, and completing directed follow-up experiments.
Maintain complete, timely, and organized laboratory records, including protocols, laboratory notebooks, animal and specimen identifiers, raw data, analysis files, and experimental outcomes.
Compile, analyze, graph, and summarize experimental data using appropriate software; review results with the Principal Investigator and present work at laboratory meetings as requested.
Maintain shared laboratory supplies and work areas, monitor inventory, prepare routine stock solutions, and assist with ordering and receiving supplies.
Operate routine laboratory equipment safely; perform basic cleaning, maintenance, and quality-control checks; and promptly report equipment problems.
Follow institutional, IACUC, biosafety, chemical safety, occupational health, and laboratory-specific policies; complete required training and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, trainees, students, and research partners, contribute to a reliable and collegial laboratory environment, and assist with orienting new personnel to routine procedures after competency is established.
Participate in scheduled weekend or holiday animal-care and experimental coverage when required by colony or study needs.
Assist with preparation of laboratory manuscripts and reports, coordinate sample and data collection, and support project management.
Order and organize laboratory stocks and supplies, maintain safety records, assist with regulatory reports, and develop and maintain computerized project record systems.