Research Assistant III/IV - Molecular Cardiovascular Biology - Millay Lab

About the role

The Millay Lab in the Division of Molecular and Cardiovascular Biology at Cincinnati Children's is seeking an innovative and self-driven scientist to join a collaborative team investigating skeletal muscle development, regeneration, and novel therapeutic delivery strategies. Our work spans muscle stem cell biology, membrane fusion, aging, muscular dystrophy, and the development of advanced delivery vehicles for skeletal muscle therapies. Candidates with hands-on experience optimizing lentiviral vectors, extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), or related gene and drug delivery platforms are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments and record data following established research protocols
• Understand the scientific principles involved in the research and apply those principles to troubleshoot and modify procedures and techniques when appropriate
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments
• Analyze data and perform statistical and graphical analysis of data
• Design and execute daily laboratory experiments in coordination with senior laboratory personnel
• Apply standard protocols to specific experiments
• Assist in training post doctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment
• Direct an undergraduate trainee in simple, well-established procedures
• Maintain an active role in laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications
• Contribute material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts
• Orally present data in group presentations
• Utilize internal and external resources to reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques; bring in new techniques or modify existing techniques
• Evaluate innovative techniques
• Demonstrate 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 and serve as a resource to the department in specific area(s)
• Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment
• Troubleshoot and/or make modifications as necessary to established procedures
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment
• Maintain cell cultures
• Operate standard laboratory equipment
• Assist in daily operations of the laboratory including answering phone, maintaining lab supplies, organization, and cleanliness
• Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality checks
• Provide appropriate safety monitoring checks as assigned (radiation safety, biosafety, etc.)
• Maintain/manage strong working relationships with clients, colleagues, and other key stakeholders
• Respond to requests quickly and effectively
• Identify and understand customer needs and expectations and meet them
• Communicate any relevant information to clients, colleagues, and other key stakeholders

Qualifications

Required for RAIII: Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience OR Master's degree in a related field

Required for RAIV: Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 3 years of experience in related job discipline OR Master's degree and 2 years experience

Pay

Expected Starting Range: $52,624 - $62,150.40 (RAIII); $56,846.40 - $72,488 (RAIV)

About Cincinnati Children's

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 Hospitals 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), America's Best Employers for New Grads (2025), one of the nation's America's Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune, consistently certified as great place to work, a Leading Disability Employer as noted by 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.