Research Technician

PLASTIC SURGERY (IN-SPLA-IUINA)

The Department of Surgery is the 3rd largest Department within Indiana University School of Medicine. We are committed to the education and development of excellent surgical clinicians, incorporating the skills, knowledge and competencies essential for providing a high standard of care to residents across the state of Indiana and beyond. Faculty educators in the Department of Surgery strive to advance surgical scientists and their research and aim to instill the leadership qualities that will empower graduates to excel in all practice settings.

As the nation’s largest medical school, IUSM is committed to being an institution that not only reflects the diversity of the learners we teach and the patient populations we serve, but also pursues the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that inform academic excellence. We desire candidates who enhance our representational diversity, as well as those whose work contributes to equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for our students, staff, and faculty. IUSM strives to take an anti-racist stance, regularly evaluating and updating its policies, procedures, and practices to confer equitable opportunities for contribution and advancement for all members of our community. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to advance racial equity to transform health and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

This position works in a laboratory that is primarily focused on peripheral nerve regeneration. The laboratory of Dr. Erin Weber, within the Division of Plastic Surgery and the Department of Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, is seeking a highly motivated research technician to study peripheral nerve injury and regeneration.  The specific focuses of the lab include: 1) muscle-nerve signaling through exosomes and other small molecules that supports motor neuron-specific regeneration, 2) the effect of beta-caryophyllene, a phytochemical, on Schwann cell gene expression, and 3) the different phenotypic states of the Schwann cell during nerve injury and regeneration.  Research techniques that are utilized include cell culture, histological and immunohistochemical analysis of human nerve specimens, and animal models of peripheral nerve injury.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Prepares for the set-up and execution of experiments in support of research projects.
• Conducts technical aspects of research studies including, but not limited to, cell culture, tissue isolation, DNA/RNA/protein isolation, DNA and protein gel electrophoresis, PCR, FACS analysis, and ELISA.
• Works with rodent animal models of nerve injury, including surgical procedures.

General Responsibilities

• Performs a wide variety of complex experiments and reports results
• Keeps organized analytical data of performed experiments
• Provides support for equipment maintenance as needed
• Acts as a liaison to students and laboratory personnel for training
• Maintains laboratory supply requisition and management
• May train junior-level staff.
• May help plan experiments or short-term goals.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred

•  Experience working with rodent animals and in cellular and/or molecular biology. 

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrated 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.

Preferred

• Knowledge of cellular and/or molecular biology.
  Demonstrates good laboratory skills
• Demonstrates knowledge of laboratory instrumentation.
• Basic computer skills.

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role requires repetitive motions (pipetting, etc) and constant handling of scientific equipment. The role requires handling of mice or rats.  The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

This position is grant funded with expected annual renewals. Renewals are contingent on the availability of grant funds. 

Indianapolis, Indiana

This is an in-person position.

$39,000 – $43,000 per year based on experience.

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

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure .

Career Level: Intermediate

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Research Analysis

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This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

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Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

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