Temporary Biochemistry Research Assistant

Ball State University•Muncie, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an opportunity to participate in fundamental research in biochemistry, contribute to the progress of NIH-funded project. Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. This is an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in Nucleic Acid BioNanotechnology.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field with substantial coursework in chemistry and laboratory sciences.
Foundational knowledge of chemical and biochemical laboratory techniques.
Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and follow established experimental protocols.
Current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Prior laboratory experience in academic or research settings, particularly in nucleic acid chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, or biophysics.
Experience with biochemical or biophysical techniques relevant to nucleic acid research (e.g., gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid purification, fluorescence-based assays, spectroscopy, or quantitative data analysis).
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present experimental results clearly and maintain organized documentation.

Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, and implement experimental protocols for studies in RNA and DNA nanotechnology, nucleic acid self-assembly, and molecular biophysics.
Perform biochemical and biophysical experiments involving nucleic acids, including preparation, purification, and characterization of RNA/DNA nanostructures.
Utilize relevant analytical techniques (e.g., fluorescence-based assays, gel electrophoresis, spectroscopy, thermal denaturation studies, and other nucleic acid characterization methods).
Follow established laboratory protocols and collaborate with the primary research faculty to refine experimental strategies.
Monitor experimental conditions, troubleshoot technical issues, and assess experimental outcomes to improve reproducibility and reliability.
Provide hands-on training to junior laboratory members (undergraduate students) in nucleic acid handling, experimental techniques, and standard laboratory practices.
Assist in developing training materials and ensuring adherence to best practices in molecular biology and biophysical experimentation.
Design and perform biochemical and biophysical assays to generate quantitative and qualitative data relevant to RNA nanotechnology and nucleic acid interactions.
Collect, organize, and validate experimental data using appropriate software and analytical tools.
Assist faculty in interpreting experimental results and preparing data for research publications and presentations.
Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in electronic or written laboratory notebooks.
Compile, process, and archive experimental data, protocols, and results in accordance with laboratory and institutional standards.
Ensure proper data organization to facilitate reproducibility and long-term accessibility.
Contribute to preparation of research reports, manuscripts, and grant materials.
Present research progress and findings in laboratory meetings and other scientific venues.
Assist in maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient research environment.
Participate in laboratory safety programs and ensure compliance with institutional biosafety and chemical safety guidelines.
Assist with routine laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, and inventory of reagents related to nucleic acid research.