Research Technician II

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

1d

About The Position

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is seeking a Research Technician II to support research investigating how environmental exposures, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), affect ovarian function and reproductive health. The role contributes to reproductive health research while developing expertise across animal research, molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, and research data analysis.

The technician will coordinate laboratory activities and conduct animal-based and laboratory research, collect and analyze research data, prepare materials for publications and reporting, and maintain and troubleshoot research equipment. The position also supports protocol development and provides technical guidance to students and laboratory personnel. The work takes place in a collaborative research environment involving researchers at Iowa State and other universities.

This is a regular, fixed-term appointment with a proposed end date of November 15, 2027, and possible opportunity for renewal. It is a full-time, 12-month work-period position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis; immigration sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of related experience.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, reproductive physiology, or a related field.
• Experience with molecular or cellular laboratory techniques such as RNA isolation, protein extraction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histology, or microscopy.
• Experience with animal handling, dosing, tissue collection, or other animal-based research procedures.
• Experience collecting, organizing, analyzing, or interpreting research data.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory procedures, assays, or research equipment.
• Experience training or providing technical guidance to students or other laboratory personnel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate laboratory activities; prepare reagents and experimental materials; and maintain accurate research records and inventories.
• Perform animal research procedures, including dosing, breeding colony management, tissue collection, necropsy support, and biological sample processing in accordance with approved research protocols.
• Conduct molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, including RNA isolation, protein extraction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histological processing, microscopy, and follicle quantification.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and maintain data from animal studies and laboratory experiments, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and integrity.
• Prepare datasets, summaries, figures, and reports to support research publications, presentations, grant reporting, and other project needs.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and specialized research equipment.
• Assist with developing, optimizing, and validating laboratory protocols and research methods, and recommend improvements to laboratory processes.
• Train and provide technical guidance to undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel on research techniques, procedures, and safety practices.
• Communicate research findings, technical concerns, and recommendations to the principal investigator and research team.

Benefits

• Medical and dental benefits.
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED