Research Technician (Laboratory Research Assistant)

Indiana University
Indiana University

Bloomington, IN, USA

Posted on Jul 28, 2026

GILL INSTITUTE FOR NEUROSCIENC (UA-GILL-IUBLA)

The Linda and Jack Gill Institute for Neuroscience (The Gill Institute) was established to advance the understanding of complex brain processes and to train next generation scientists in state-of-the-art approaches in the field of neuroscience. The Gill Institute brings together multidisciplinary teams of world-class faculty interested in understanding brain functions under physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, the Gill Institute provides training to graduate students from a range of disciplines in the use and development of measurement techniques and instrumentation, as well as an opportunity for undergraduate students to be involved in cutting-edge research projects. It provides a platform for interaction with industry to identify important problems and commercialize advances; additionally, the Gill Institute widely disseminates advances in neuroscience methods.

The Neurobiology and Sleep Science Laboratory 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.

Department-Specific 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

General Responsibilities

  • 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

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION / WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

  • 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

SKILLS

Required

  • 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
  • Demonstrates conscientiousness
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Demonstrated reliability

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.

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 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
  • 10 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)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Career Level: Mastery

FLSA: Nonexempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Laboratory Research

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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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