Research Associate I - Touil Lab - Department of Neurology

About the role

The Research Associate I will support translational and basic research studies focused on the role of the immune system in aging and age-related neurological disorders. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing and managing human biospecimens, maintaining biobank inventories, conducting laboratory experiments, and supporting day-to-day laboratory operations. This position will collaborate closely with postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, and scientific staff to advance research programs investigating mechanisms of neuroinflammation, immune aging, and neurodegenerative disease.

Responsibilities

• Keeps accurate and detailed project records of experiments and results.
• Maintains lab equipment and related records.
• Transports, processes, and logs samples.
• Maintains computer database with relevant clinical information.
• Performs lab maintenance duties, including glassware cleaning and sterilization.
• Maintains stocks of general lab materials, and places orders for lab equipment and supplies.
• Affords assistance to new students and fellows at the laboratory.
• Affords assistance in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery.
• Observes and follows safety standards and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• 0–2 years of laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or clinical research environment is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic data management systems.
• Experience processing human blood, CSF, plasma, serum, or other clinical specimens.
• Experience with biobanking operations and sample inventory management.
• Familiarity with electronic sample tracking systems.
• Experience with immunology, neuroscience, aging, or neurodegeneration research.
• Hands-on experience with techniques such as flow cytometry, cell culture, single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics, or multiplex immunoassays.
• Knowledge of biosafety procedures and managing human-derived specimens.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience and Skills: 0–2 years of laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or clinical research environment is preferred. Experience managing biological specimens and following laboratory protocols. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic data management systems. Experience processing human blood, CSF, plasma, serum, or other clinical specimens. Experience with biobanking operations and sample inventory management. Familiarity with electronic sample tracking systems. Experience with immunology, neuroscience, aging, or neurodegeneration research. Hands-on experience with techniques such as flow cytometry, cell culture, single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics, or multiplex immunoassays. Knowledge of biosafety procedures and managing human-derived specimens.