Research Technician (Laboratory Research Assistant)

About the role

The Neurobiology and Sleep Science Laboratory at the Linda and Jack Gill Institute for Neuroscience seeks a detail-oriented technician and a lab manager to support ongoing federally funded projects on the neural basis of circadian timekeeping and sleep regulation.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain the health and welfare of the lab's Drosophila melanogaster genetic fly stocks, including receiving new fly stocks and adding them to the lab fly stocks
• Prepare media and solutions as needed to support research
• Order research and laboratory supplies and maintain databases of lab fly stocks, chemicals, antibodies, and supplies ordered
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment
• Supervise undergraduate students in basic lab maintenance tasks and manage lab adherence to all university policies and procedures for laboratory safety
• Conduct tests across a diverse array of assays using laboratory machinery and computer programs
• Test and set up lab equipment
• Collect data and prepare reports based upon established protocols
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings
• Order, receive, and inventory laboratory supplies
• Clean glassware and maintain laboratory work areas
• Troubleshoot breakdowns, perform preventive maintenance, and call for repairs as needed
• Maintain logs and equipment record books

Requirements

• Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience.
• Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
• Required EDUCATION / WORK EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience in a laboratory setting; OR Associate's degree and 4 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Preferred: Research experience with Drosophila melanogaster; Experience in a life-sciences research lab preferred; Training in Biology or Chemistry.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• Paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Skills

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Ability to build strong customer relationships

Preferred

• Strong organizational skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory setting with minimal supervision as part of a research team
• Demonstrated reliability

Benefits

Bloomington, Indiana
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IUV
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• Paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)