Research Assistant II/III/IV - Endocrinology - Nakamura Lab

Primary location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Endocrinology. Full‑time, day shift, 40 hours/week (1.0 FTE), regular employee status.

About the role

The Nakamura Lab at Cincinnati Children’s is seeking a Research Assistant to support innovative research investigating obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease. Using mouse and cell culture models, the lab studies how RNA networks affect glucose and lipid metabolism, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic approaches.

Responsibilities

• Experimental design and execution
  • Design and perform experiments and record data.
  • Follow and formulate both existing and new research protocols.
  • Independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used.
  • Analyze data, perform statistical and graphical analysis, and interpret results.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments.
• Training and collaboration
  • Assist in training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment.
  • Contribute and write material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts.
  • Maintain an integral role in the laboratory’s meetings, presentations, and publications.
• Leadership
  • May act as a mentor to more junior staff, serve as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance, and work direction.
  • May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development, and performance management.
• Lab administration
  • Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment.
  • Provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) training according to regulations.
  • Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks.
  • Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment.
  • Operate laboratory apparatus and equipment.
  • Assist in daily operations of the laboratory including answering phone, maintaining lab supplies, organization, and cleanliness.
  • Provide appropriate oversight for all required compliance issues as requested by the Principal Investigator.
• Develop, set up, and verify new procedures
  • Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques.
  • Participate in the development of new assays and testing of new protocols.
  • Modify existing procedures as necessary to troubleshoot or make modifications based on changes in research design.
• Serve as a resource
  • Demonstrate advanced competence in specific knowledge, skills, and behaviors.
  • Effectively communicate with team members and contribute to their growth by sharing knowledge, experience, and skills; stay abreast of changes in key systems; serve as an expert resource to the department and/or hospital in specific area(s).

Qualifications

• Research Assistant II (RAII)
  • High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
  • Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Research Assistant III (RAIII)
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience.
  • OR Master’s degree in a related field.
• Research Assistant IV (RAIV)
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND 3 years of experience in related job discipline.
  • OR Master’s degree AND 2 years of experience.

Pay

• RAII: $20.57 – $25.72 per hour
• RAIII: $52,624 – $62,150.40 per year
• RAIV: $56,846.40 – $72,488 per year

About us

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s.

Cincinnati Children’s is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top‑10 best children’s hospital in the nation for more than 15 years, consistently among the top 3 children’s hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, and recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025) and America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025). It is named one of the nation’s America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune, consistently certified as a great place to work, a Leading Disability Employer per the National Organization on Disability, and Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.