Research Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
• Requires 3-5 years’ experience. Candidates possessing a master’s degree, 2+ years’ experience required.
• Prior experience with mouse handling, mouse colony management, tissue collection, genotyping, or related animal research procedures.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, or preparation of sequencing-related samples.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, cell passaging, transfection, viral transduction, or cell-based assays.
• Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols, maintain organized records, and accurately track samples and reagents.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, troubleshoot routine experimental issues, and adapt standard procedures when needed.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Willingness to work with mouse models and comply with institutional animal research, biosafety, and laboratory safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with genomics or single-cell sequencing workflows is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory work involving mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, and cell culture to support ongoing studies of brain development and neurodevelopmental disease mechanisms.
• Assist with CRISPR-based perturbation experiments, including preparation of reagents, viral/vector-related workflows, sample collection, and downstream genomic analysis.
• Handle and monitor mice used in research studies, including basic husbandry coordination, tissue collection, and experimental preparation.
• Perform mouse-related procedures such as colony tracking, genotyping sample collection, tissue dissection, and preparation of brain samples for molecular analysis.
• Carry out molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and preparation of sequencing-related materials.
• Assist with single-cell genomics workflows, including nuclei or cell preparation, quality control, library preparation support, and sample submission for sequencing.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique, including passaging, transfection or transduction support, and monitoring cell health.
• Prepare, organize, and validate experimental reagents such as plasmids, oligos, guide RNA libraries, buffers, and cell culture media.
• Record experimental procedures, sample information, and results accurately in laboratory notebooks and shared databases.
• Analyze and summarize basic experimental results, including genotyping outcomes, QC metrics, and molecular assay results.
• Troubleshoot routine experimental issues related to sample quality, molecular assays, sequencing preparation, or cell culture conditions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, reagent inventories, and shared workspaces to ensure efficient day-to-day lab operations.
• Coordinate with lab members on experimental timelines, animal use, sequencing submissions, and sample tracking.
• Follow institutional biosafety, animal research, and laboratory compliance policies, including proper documentation and training requirements.

Benefits

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking