Research Specialist II - Dr. Laura Schulz Laboratory

Hiring Department

NextGen Precision Health

Job Description

The Schulz Laboratory in the NextGen Precision Health building is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist II to support ongoing research focused on placental biology, maternal-fetal health, and the developmental origins of disease. The Research Specialist II will play a key role in independently conducting laboratory experiments, maintaining animal and tissue culture models, supporting grant-funded projects, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards, particularly to study the influence of maternal myostatin on placental function and fetal musculoskeletal development.

This position is ideal for a candidate with prior laboratory experience who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Dr. Laura C. Schulz’s laboratory investigates how the maternal hormonal and nutritional environment during pregnancy influences placental development and, in turn, fetal growth and long-term health outcomes. The lab is actively involved in NIH-funded, multi-institutional collaborations and works closely with investigators across obstetrics and gynecology, biological sciences, animal sciences, and biochemistry. Research from the Schulz Lab contributes to understanding pregnancy-related complications and their lifelong health consequences.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Laboratory Operations

• Independently conduct and support bench-based experiments related to placental biology, including work with mouse models, and tissue culture models.
• Perform laboratory techniques such as tissue culture, histology, biochemistry and molecular biology assays (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, ELISA), depending on project needs
• Assist with animal studies, including mouse colony management, genotyping, timed breeding, sample collection, tissue dissection, and coordination with veterinary and animal care staff in compliance with IACUC protocols
• Accurately collect, analyze, and document experimental data; maintain organized laboratory notebooks and electronic records

Compliance, Safety & Quality Control

• Ensure compliance with IACUC, IRB (as applicable), biosafety, and chemical safety protocols
• Maintain laboratory organization, including inventory management, ordering supplies, reagent preparation, and equipment maintenance
• Assist with standard operating procedure (SOP) development and adherence to best laboratory practices

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and collaborators to support ongoing research projects
• Contribute to data summaries, figures, and preliminary analyses for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to troubleshooting experimental approaches