Lab Assistant

About the Role

Temple University's School of Medicine is searching for a full-time, entry-level Lab Assistant to support research on neuromodulation and gene-based therapies for recovery after rodent spinal cord injury. The role involves working closely with the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other laboratory members on preclinical studies using rodent models.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with rodent handling, animal surgeries, post-operative monitoring, behavioral assessments, and routine animal care in accordance with approved institutional protocols.
• Assist with tissue collection, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and basic image analysis.
• Assist with molecular biology methods, including DNA preparation, PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, cell culture, and viral-vector production and validation.
• Maintain organized and accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records, protocols, sample inventories, and data files.
• Prepare reagents and maintain laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Follow all applicable animal care, biosafety, and laboratory safety procedures.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate the receipt, organization, and storage of laboratory shipments and supplies.
• Clean, organize, and maintain laboratory workspaces and equipment.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and scientific procedures.
• Proficiency with standard computer software applications.
• Prior research experience in a biological science laboratory is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and follow written protocols.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• A Bachelor's Degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Prior experience with rodent handling, stereotaxic or other rodent surgeries, behavioral testing, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, or viral-vector methods is preferred but not required.