Research Assistant

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science • North Chicago, IL

6d

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. FabioRe in the Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Research Assistant. The lab focuses on innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction, using mouse models of bacterial infection to investigate mechanisms of activation of the inflammasome, complement, and B1 cells.

The Research Assistant supports laboratory operations, experiments, and mouse colony maintenance. Duties include maintaining inventory and laboratory cleanliness, preparing media and reagents, maintaining mammalian cell cultures, performing immunological and molecular assays, maintaining experimental records, and assisting with data analysis and visualization for publication. The role also assists with mouse colony management, routine procedures under approved animal protocols, and collection and processing of tissues and samples.

Applicants should submit a statement of interest describing relevant skills and how the position will contribute to career goals, a CV, and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Employment is conditional on satisfactory background-check results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in a laboratory environment.
• Competency in standard laboratory techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA preparation, mammalian cell culture, and media and buffer preparation.
• Willingness to work with laboratory mice.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mouse work, including husbandry, injection, and dissection.
• Experience with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory inventory and order supplies.
• Ensure laboratory cleanliness, adherence to safety standards, and proper waste disposal.
• Prepare media, reagents, and buffers.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures under sterile conditions.
• Perform immunological and molecular assays, including flow cytometry, ELISA, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and Western blotting.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and results.
• Assist with data analysis and visualization for publication.
• Contribute to a collaborative and conducive research environment.
• Assist with mouse colony management, breeding, genotyping, and databasing.
• Perform routine mouse procedures following approved animal protocols.
• Collect and process tissues and samples for downstream analyses.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short-term and long-term disability plans.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• A 403(b) retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution after two years of service.
• For full-time staff: three weeks of vacation/personal leave, 15 sick days, nine paid holidays, paid winter break, and two floating holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level