Research Associate, DGRC

Indiana University - Indiana, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Indiana, PA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Drosophila Genomics Resource Center (DGRC) at Indiana University Bloomington is seeking a Research Associate to join its dynamic team. The DGRC serves as a heavily utilized repository for Drosophila genomic resources, including DNA vectors, clones, and cell lines, catering to researchers worldwide. The successful candidate will be immersed in an intellectually stimulating environment, collaborating with over a dozen research groups engaged in various fields such as molecular and cell biology, neurobiology, physiology, evolution, and ecology. In this role, the Research Associate will primarily focus on maintaining cell culture stocks, which includes shipping both growing cultures and frozen stocks. The responsibilities extend to supervising the cell culture room, managing inventory, distributing archived DNA molecules, and replicating and shipping bulk DNA collections. Additionally, the associate will prepare plasmids for shipping and meticulously document all research activities in a laboratory notebook, which should include photographs, sketches, charts, graphs, and other supporting materials. General lab maintenance tasks will also be part of the role, such as purchasing supplies, coordinating waste disposal, overseeing equipment maintenance and repair, organizing plasmid collections, and training and supervising undergraduate students. Indiana University is committed to equal employment opportunities and affirmative action, ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration based on their individual qualifications. The Biology department is recognized for its strong undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as its world-class research capabilities across a wide range of biological disciplines. The College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity within its community of students and scholars.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cell culture stocks and supervise the cell culture room.
• Ship both growing cultures and frozen stocks to researchers.
• Maintain inventory of cell cultures and DNA molecules.
• Distribute archived DNA molecules and replicate bulk DNA collections.
• Prepare plasmids for shipping and ensure proper documentation of all activities.
• Record research activities in a laboratory notebook, including photographs and supporting materials.
• Perform general lab maintenance, including purchasing supplies and coordinating waste disposal.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and repair.
• Organize and maintain plasmid collections.
• Train and supervise undergraduate students in the lab.

Requirements

• BA or BS in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Prior research experience in cellular or molecular biology.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision as part of a research team.

Benefits

• Salary dependent on experience and education.
• Comprehensive benefits package included.