Research Technician, Pediatric Infectious Disease Research

PED-INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARC (IN-PIFB-IUINA)

The Department of Pediatrics employs nearly 1,000 faculty and staff who work alongside employees of Riley Hospital for Children and students of IU School of Medicine to make Riley Children’s Health Indiana’s largest and most skilled pediatric system. At IUSM, our mission and core values define who we are, how we act, and what we aspire to accomplish. If you choose to join our team, you can expect a culture that values excellence, respect, integrity, diversity, and cooperation.

The Department of Pediatrics Division of Infectious Disease Research is seeking a Research Technician to assist in the Principal Investigator’s lab within the Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Center of Infectious Diseases and Global Health. This position is responsible for the organization and maintenance of lab based in the US that conducts investigative research related to malaria-gut microbiota interactions, malaria immunology, and the pathogenesis of severe malaria. Research profile of the lab includes the murine model of malaria, mouse husbandry, gnotobiotic work, flow cytometry, immunology assays, and gut microbiota analyses.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Performs gnotobiotic and specific-pathogen free mouse husbandry.
• Conducts a wide variety of independent and collaborative laboratory and research tests using standard and special procedures, equipment, and examinations. Techniques include, but not limited to, flow cytometry, ELISAs, DNA and RNA extraction, cell culture, PCR, qPCR, genotyping, ELISAs, and microscopy. Data analysis and writing up findings.
• Manages reagent inventory and ordering of supplies. 
• Performs maintenance and organization of clinical samples, databases, and freezer/liquid nitrogen inventories. 
• Oversees the set-up and maintenance of lab equipment. 
• Ensures compliance with chemical and biosafety guidelines, including the storage and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste.
• Orients students to lab; provides guidance to personnel in the lab, monitors day to day activities and experiments of new lab members.
• Assists with training and maintenance of Wells Center flow cytometer.

General Responsibilities

• Performs a wide variety of complex experiments and reports results.
• Organizes analytical data of performed experiments. May submit findings for publication.
• Installs and maintains research equipment.
• Acts as a liaison to students and laboratory personnel for training.
• Maintains laboratory supply requisition and management.
• Trains junior-level staff.
• Plans experiments and short-term goals.
• May require travel in order to service various research sites.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years of related research experience.

Preferred

• Hands-on laboratory experience. 

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.
• Possesses a high degree of initiative.
• Ability to build strong customer relationships.

Preferred

• Ability and eagerness to learn new techniques. 
• Possesses a collaborative mindset and a desire to work with a diverse team. 
• Ability to function independently. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently – in person, via email, and phone. 
• Ability and willingness to deal with administrative matters regularly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to adhere to established protocols and coordination with Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC).. 
• Ability to problem-solve experiments and maintain accurate and organized notes and data. 
• Ability to interpret and communicate experimental results in oral and written formats.
• Demonstrates knowledge and familiarity with immunological laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Demonstrates a high level of working knowledge, and is a resource to laboratory personnel. 

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. 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.

Equipment utilized: Gnotobiotic and germ-free mouse husbandry equipment within LARC. Standard, cellular, molecular, and immunology equipment as well as specialized equipment within the Wells Center and on campus. Multi-color flow cytometry and data analysis using FlowJo software.

Indianapolis, Indiana

$43,000 – $48,000 per year based on experience, skill level, education, and training.

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: Mastery

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.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

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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