Research Technician II

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is seeking a Research Technician II to support innovative research investigating how environmental exposures, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), affect ovarian function and reproductive health. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research with potential implications for human health, addressing important questions in reproductive health that affect roughly half of the population, while developing expertise across animal research, molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, and research data analysis. You'll join a team that invests in professional development, provides opportunities to work with researchers across Iowa State and other universities, and supports individual career goals. You'll be part of a collaborative environment where strong organization, communication, and teamwork are essential to keeping research moving forward.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience

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 such as RNA isolation, protein extraction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histological processing, microscopy, and follicle quantification.
Collect, organize, analyze, and maintain research 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, addressing technical issues that may affect experimental outcomes.
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, laboratory procedures, and safety practices.
Communicate research findings, technical concerns, and recommendations with the principal investigator and research team.