Laboratory Research Assistant

BIOCHEMISTRY (BL-BIOC-IUBLA)

The Macromolecular Crystallography Facility integrated with the Crystallization Automation Facility (MCF/CAF) provides all the equipment necessary to facilitate research in all aspects of Structural Biology at Indiana University Bloomington (IUB). New instrumentation allows high throughput macromolecular crystallography using advanced robotics.

The Phoenix DT and Gryphon LCP drop setter robots, commercialized by Art Robbins Instruments, can set up crystallization trails with high accuracy and minimizing the total amount of purified sample used during the screening. The Minstrel HT UV (Rigaku) is a fully automated high-throughput ultraviolet and visible crystal imaging and protein crystal monitoring system, which is coupled to 2 Gallery HT incubator storage systems. Using the CrystalTrak software in situ or online, the users can control, optimize, visualize and document automatically all the crystallization screening process. In addition, the Alchemist DT (Rigaku) is also connected to CrystalTrak software, allows automatic liquid handling for protein crystallization optimization, eliminating the tedious process of solution preparation and dispensing by hand. Stereoscopes coupled to high definition cameras and supplies for crystal manipulation are also provided by the facility. Moreover, computational resources facilitate structure determination and refinement with the latest programs available.

In addition, IUB is a member institution in the Molecular Biology Consortium, which allows for easy and very frequent remote synchrotron access on beamline 4.2.2 at the Advanced Light Source (ALS), a part of Lawrence Berkeley National Labs in Berkeley, California. Therefore, testing for crystal/diffraction quality and/or data collection is done effortless and time-effectively. MCF/CAF was founded to facilitate and encourage research endeavors in structural biology and to provide centralized resources for training and education in latest crystallographic and structural biology techniques.

The Physical Biochemistry Instrumentation Facility (PBIF) supports research in structures, stabilities, and interactions of biomolecules. Thorough hands-on training, state-of-the-art instrumentation, and analysis software are available 24 hours a day, and equipment time may be booked around the clock via a web-based reservation system. The PBIF is directed by a Ph.D. scientist who assists researchers in the design, implementation, and analysis of experiments and results.

The College values diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core strength and essential element in the success of its educational mission. For full diversity statement, click here.

More information about the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University may be found at here.   

This is technical and managerial work performing a variety of complex tasks related to the daily operations of the Physical and Biochemistry Facility (PBIF) and the Macromolecular Crystallography Facility (CAF). PBIF and CAF are located in Simon Hall MSB-1 science building receiving hundreds of users monthly. Both are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, facilitating research for many groups in Biochemistry, Biology, and Chemistry Departments.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Supports and assists a variety of research projects, jointly with the supervisor, by maintaining lab operations on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
• Acts as manager for Physical Biochemistry Instrumentation Facility (PBIF).
• Keeps facility organized and ensures continuous operation.
• Performs scholarly research and trains other personnel in PBIF (such as students) in standard techniques used in the lab.
• Assists users in experiments, automated and manual dispensing of commercial screens, crystallography screenings, sample preparation, crystal optimization, crystal harvesting, and data collection.
• Assists users in PBIF with experiments sample preparation and measurement.
• Performs data entry, organization and maintenance of files, upkeep of lab calendar, and monthly billing.
• Monitors and assesses consumables inventory and orders supplies as needed.
• Develops standard operating procedures for lab instrumentation and modifies these procedures as appropriate.
• Monitors lab usage to ensure safe and efficient use of facilities.

General Responsibilities

• Responsible for the initiation, monitoring, completion, and reporting of routine to moderately complex research studies.
• Organizes and implements data review and analysis.
• Oversees the proper handling of laboratory specimens including processes, shipping, storage, and documentation and transfer to designated central laboratories.
• Conducts data quality assurance practices.
• Prepares research summaries and assists in progress report development.
• Maintains laboratory work areas and supply inventory.

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

Required

• Bachelor's degree in science or health-related discipline

Preferred

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or science

WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred

• 1 year of experience in structural biology

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient 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

Preferred

• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean and organized laboratory
• Strong organization skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent computational/data analysis skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to be flexible with changes in daily or weekly tasks
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Dream Weaver

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.

There will be opportunities to participate in data interpretation and publication of the results.

Bloomington, Indiana

$16.58 - $18.54 per hour

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: Laboratory Research

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 .

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [email protected] or by visiting IUPD.

Request Support
Telephone: 812-856-1234