Research Technician II
Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Position Title:
Research Technician IIJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experiencePreferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, molecular biology, engineering, or a closely related discipline.Prior experience in laboratory research, whether in academic or industry settings.
Experience with Caenorhabditis elegans genetics, including strain maintenance and manipulation.
Proficiency in molecular biology methods such as cloning, PCR, and plasmid preparation.
Hands-on experience with rodent care.
Job Description:
Are you looking for a research role where your work directly contributes to understanding how aging affects biology? Iowa State University is hiring a Research Technician II to support laboratory studies using mouse and Caenorhabditis elegans models. This position is ideal for someone with hands-on lab experience who enjoys working in a collaborative, research-focused environment.
What You’ll Do:
- Maintain and manage mouse colonies, including breeding, injections, behavioral testing, and post-surgical care.
- Conduct behavioral and imaging experiments in mice and C. elegans, including fiber photometry and calcium imaging.
- Perform molecular biology tasks such as cloning, strain development, and confocal microscopy.
- Manage lab operations including ordering supplies, preparing reagents, and maintaining equipment.
- Ensure compliance with IACUC and IBC protocols and coordinate with EH&S on lab safety.
- Train and support students and new lab personnel; work closely with faculty and research staff.
Position Details:
- Appointment Type: Full-time, regular
- Location: On-site in Ames, Iowa
- Remote Work: Not available
About the Department:
This position is part of a research group at Iowa State University focused on uncovering the biological mechanisms of aging. The lab integrates behavioral neuroscience, molecular biology, and imaging to investigate how aging impacts brain and body function. The team values precision, curiosity, and mentorship, and works closely with students and collaborators across disciplines.
Example of Duties
• Performs a variety of tests requiring a high degree of proficiency.
• Collects, analyzes, and processes laboratory samples or research data.
• Troubleshoots problems and recommends solutions.
• Determines testing methods for non-standardized test.
• Cleans, sanitizes, maintains, and operates lab equipment.
• Assists scientists with research and record findings in the field or lab.
• Maintains sample tracking.
Level Guidelines
• Career-level position demonstrating proficiency and knowledge of related competencies
• Works under direct to general supervision and may receive guidance on more complex assignments
• Follows established procedures for work assignments, and completes assignments which are semi-routine and may be atypical in nature
• Applies thorough knowledge to respond to inquiries and requests
• Able to resolve most problems and issues and respond to requests without escalation
• Provides guidance to students
• May provide supervision to one to two other staff or lead a small work team
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
February 1, 2027Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
PS805Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.