Laboratory Research Assistant

Job Summary

The Remote Programmable Biosystems (RPBS) Lab is seeking a highly motivated Lab Technician to support the launch and daily operations of our new laboratory. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the founding team of a cutting-edge lab at the intersection of ultrasound engineering and synthetic biology.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Plays a central role in maintaining lab infrastructure, supporting experiments, managing inventory and safety protocols, and ensuring the smooth operation of research activities.
• Set up, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment including ultrasound systems, cell culture facilities, and imaging instruments.
• Prepare reagents, media, buffers, and other materials required for experiments.
• Assist researchers with routine and specialized experimental procedures (cell culture, molecular cloning, protein assays, etc.).
• Manage lab inventory, ordering supplies, and coordinating with vendors.
• Maintain compliance with IU Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) protocols, including chemical hygiene and biosafety.
• Organize and maintain lab records, equipment logs, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support onboarding and training of new lab members.

General Responsibilities

• Responsible for the initiation, monitoring, completion, and reporting of routine to moderately complex research studies.
• Organizes and implements data review and analysis.
• Oversees the proper handling of laboratory specimens including processes, shipping, storage, and documentation and transfer to designated central laboratories.
• Conducts data quality assurance practices.
• Prepares research summaries and assists in progress report development.
• Maintains laboratory work areas and supply inventory.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred

• Some laboratory experience.
• 1 year of hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry)

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient in English with written and verbal communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly thorough and dependable.

Preferred

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile technique.
• Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience with flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, or bioimaging.
• Familiarity with ultrasound equipment or acoustic systems.
• Experience managing lab safety protocols or EHS compliance.
• Basic proficiency in data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, or R).

Working Conditions / Demands

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

What We Offer

• A collaborative, supportive, and innovative research environment
• Opportunity to contribute to high-impact biomedical research from the ground up
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities within the Luddy School at IU Bloomington

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Intermediate

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Laboratory Research

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Contact Us

Request Support
Telephone: 812-856-1234