Research Assistant

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Overview

The Research Assistant 1 MS supports specific basic science research efforts by carrying out defined technical and surgical tasks in the laboratory using standard biology, chemistry, physics, and geology-related equipment and apparatus. Responsibilities include following specific regimens or protocols to achieve research goals, breeding and providing care for research animals, performing surgical tasks, acquiring, collecting, inputting, and reporting research data, and maintaining the laboratory for safety, operations, and security. Additionally, the Research Assistant performs experiments, trains incoming lab personnel in complex experimental procedures, manages mouse colonies, and conducts analyses of scientific results which are presented regularly in lab meetings.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Proven ability to work in a laboratory setting with experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, cloning, and cell culture.
2. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and multitask.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
4. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with laboratory software or databases.
5. Ability to work with and handle laboratory animals, including breeding, genotyping, and performing surgical procedures.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, molecular biology, or genetics, with at least one year of laboratory experience.
2. Experience with animal handling and behavioral assays, particularly with rodents, including operant behavior conditioning and basic surgical procedures.
3. Familiarity with advanced molecular biology techniques such as CRISPR genome-editing, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics.
4. Background in neuroscience, cancer biology, or immunology, with experience in conducting experiments involving flow cytometry, microscopy, and histology.
5. Knowledge of bioinformatics or programming languages (e.g., Python, R) for data analysis related to next-generation sequencing and other genomic analyses.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Researches and collects data through complex laboratory/ scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments. 2. Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports. Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. 3. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities. Sets up, operates and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus. 4. Formulates and prepares scientific solutions and media. Recruits study participants. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. 5. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments. May oversee and instruct research staff. 6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities. Required Education and Experience Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

07/27/2026

Job Category

Technician

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade C

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$28.43

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Temporary / Casual (Fixed Term)

Work Model

Hybrid

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.