Laboratory Research Specialist

Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis School of Science is a vital part of Indiana's life, health, and technology industries and allows for unparalleled research and collaboration. We are home to 6 departments and programs representing many different aspects of the science world. Our faculty and staff are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Our faculty engage in cutting-edge research in a wide variety of fields, including biochemistry and molecular biology, clinical psychology, forensic science, pure and applied math, and more.

We pride ourselves on our interdisciplinary approach, extensive undergraduate research opportunities, professional school placements, and service to our students. Our graduates are the life blood of an economy that needs innovative thinkers, contributing team members, and eager learners. Committed to having real impact in their work and community, our graduates emerge from the School of Science as well-rounded scientists whose experiences have prepared them to solve the problems of the future.

The IU Indianapolis campus is located near downtown Indianapolis, a city that uniquely combines the cultural amenities of urban life with the residential qualities of smaller communities and is highly affordable. As the major center for industry and government within the state, Indianapolis has a wide variety of research and training sites.

The Barrett Lab at Indiana University Indianapolis researches the insect experience through 2 primary questions : 1) how have insects' brains evolved to help them meet the constraints of their environment or perform cognitively demanding behaviors; and 2) what indicators can tell us if insects may have good or bad welfare?

Job Summary

The Barrett Lab seeks a Laboratory Research Specialist to help lead day-to-day operations in the lab.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Design research approaches for experimental projects, including background research, experimental design and execution, problem solving, and data analysis and writing of manuscripts.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes, animal health, and facility conditions.
• Develop new protocols and test / evaluate each approach; maintain clear records of protocols for future lab use.
• Help collect data and prepare submissions for funding and grants.
• Prepare reports on research projects.
• Contribute original ideas to the lab's research mission and proceed with them to facilitate research projects.
• Work with Health and Safety, Animal Care and Use, and other departments / university staff to ensure the lab complies with regulations and trainings.
• Keep the lab stocked with supplies and engage in administrative assistance to the Principal Investigator (PI) with research and university-related tasks.
• Maintain critical laboratory equipment.
• May present ongoing work and findings at academic events.
• Help with animal husbandry and animal welfare assessment.
• Supervise and train other staff, including hiring, performance management, and other duties.
• Foster a respectful, thriving, collaborative research environment for all members of the team.

General Responsibilities

Qualifications

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

Preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

Preferred

SKILLS

Required

Preferred

Working Conditions / Demands

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.

Additional Information

This is a 2-year, fixed-term position.

Ideally, the hired lab manager would start as soon as possible, and the start date cannot be later than January 1st, 2026.

Work Location

IU Indianapolis campus

Indianapolis, Indiana

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including :

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

Job Classification

Career Level : Career

FLSA : Exempt

Job Function : Research

Job Family : Laboratory Research

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

Posting Disclaimer

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

Campus Safety and Security

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 iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.

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