Research Assistant

About the role

The Bennett Lab is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented full-time Research Assistant to join our team at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor. The successful candidate will contribute to efforts focused on understanding signals regulating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) formation during embryonic development. We investigate the developmental origins of blood stem cells using cutting-edge approaches including mouse genetics, embryo dissection, transplantation assays, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, single-cell genomics (scRNA-seq and related platforms), and ex vivo culture systems. Ongoing projects seek to identify new regulators of HSC formation and examine signaling pathways that regulate the maturation of rare embryonic HSC precursors into fully functional transplantable stem cells. Results from these studies will advance our understanding of stem cell biology and inform strategies to generate clinically useful HSCs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Responsibilities

• Conducts laboratory experiments and procedures following established or detailed protocols, such as standard flow cytometry experiments and transplantation studies.
• Aids in mouse colony management, genotyping, breeding, and animal procedures in accordance with institutional guidelines.
• Captures, organizes, and analyzes experimental data; maintains accurate laboratory records and uploads results to laboratory databases within timelines agreed to with supervisor.
• Aids in preparation of reagents, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and general laboratory organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Skills with mouse handling and husbandry preferred.
• Prior experience with molecular biology, cell culture, or flow cytometry.
• Fundamental computer skills, including familiarity with Excel, Word, and basic data organization tools.
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate information verbally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and sustained concentration.
• Ability to work collaboratively with scientists, trainees, and support staff in a productive and professional environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of laboratory safety practices and responsible conduct of research.
• Proven ability to organize time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving research priorities.
• Regular, reliable, and consistent attendance.

Qualifications

• Education Required: High School Diploma or GED.
• Education Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, or related field.
• Experience Required: 1 year preferred; equivalent academic laboratory experience considered.

Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Pay

$18 - $28 per hour, depending upon experience.

Schedule

Full-time position.

About JAX

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community.

EEO Statement

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.