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Biological Research Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Biological Research Assistant information

What are some typical daily tasks and collaborative responsibilities for a Biological Research Assistant?

As a Biological Research Assistant, your daily activities often include preparing laboratory materials, conducting experiments under the supervision of lead scientists, and recording or analyzing data. You’ll work closely with other team members such as researchers, lab technicians, and sometimes graduate students, facilitating smooth project workflows. Collaboration is key, particularly when troubleshooting experiments or ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Regular participation in team meetings to discuss findings and share progress is also common, which helps build communication and project management skills.

What are Biological Research Assistants?

Biological Research Assistants are professionals who support scientists and researchers in laboratory and field settings by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining lab equipment. They often help prepare biological samples, record results, and ensure proper documentation of experiments. Their work is crucial for advancing research in areas such as genetics, microbiology, ecology, and medicine. Typically, they work under the supervision of senior researchers or principal investigators, contributing to scientific discoveries and innovations.

What is the difference between Biological Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiological Research AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology or related fieldAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesClinical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsHospitals, diagnostic labs, pharmaceutical companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, career pathsTechnical duties, lab work specifics

The Biological Research Assistant typically holds a bachelor's degree and engages in research activities within academic or biotech settings. In contrast, Laboratory Technicians often have an associate's degree or certification and focus on technical lab tasks in clinical or industrial environments. Both roles support scientific work but differ mainly in educational requirements and work focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Biological Research Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biological Research Assistant, you need a solid background in biology or related sciences, laboratory experience, and at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data analysis software (such as SPSS or Excel), and techniques like PCR or microscopy is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this position. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, reliable experimental results, and smooth collaboration within research teams.
What are popular job titles related to Biological Research Assistant jobs in Indiana? For Biological Research Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Biological Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Biological Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Biological Research Assistant job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Associate, Biology

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Details
Title Research Associate, Biology Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Biology Location Bloomington Position Summary
The Department of Biology is a large, unified department with strong undergraduate degrees, nationally-ranked graduate programs, and world-class research spanning the breadth of biological questions and experimental systems - from ecosystems to microbiology and developmental biology, from evolution to cell biology, from molecular biology to systems biology, bioinformatics, and genomics. It is always an exciting time for Biology - enormous advances in global genome analysis coupled with unprecedented developments in interdisciplinary research have made the 21st century the Century of Biology. For more information about the department, you can find it here: About: Department of Biology: Indiana University Bloomington.

The Fuqua Lab in the Department of Biology at Indiana University, Bloomington is seeking a Research Associate. Our lab in the Microbiology section is focused on complex bacterial behaviors, including biofilm formation and host interactions, using the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a model. The overarching goal for this position is to make timely progress on our NIH grant entitled "Mechanisms of pterin-dependent regulation in proteobacterial systems" (Grant number R01 GM160733) which explores a new regulatory mechanism that controls biofilm formation we have discovered based on excreted metabolites called pterins (for details see Greenwich et al. 2024; PNAS, doi:10.1073/pnas.2319903121). The Fuqua lab research team is currently comprised of graduate students, a senior research scientist, and undergraduates. All members of our team contribute to the projects of other team members -this may include assistance with a research protocol, feedback on presentations, edits on manuscripts, and so on. The lab philosophy is that a collaborative and supportive research environment benefits everyone involved. We are seeking an individual to join this team, contribute to the lab in general, and further the goals of the NIH grant.
Basic Qualifications
Core job duties include: (1) Learning, conducting and teaching other lab members our key research protocols. In the lab, this will include: DNA purification, Molecular Cloning, Gel Electrophoresis, DNA Sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Bacterial Transformation, Microbiological Cultivation, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting. These and other experimental approaches will be applied as needed to the experimental plan for the pterin project. (2) Management of pterin grant meetings and material exchanges between collaborating laboratories. (3) Laboratory management and ordering. (4) Participation in general laboratory task rotations (5) Written summaries of research (for annual grant reporting and for manuscript preparation), and research presentations (lab meetings, grant meetings, and conferences).
Required skills

Effective time management
Accurate and organized record keeping
Ability to work in a team
Receptivity to training and new techniques
Proficiency in written and oral communication
Problem solving and pro-active approach to preventing problems
Dependability and punctuality
Flexibility for research tasks and prioritization of experiments.
Preferred skills

Molecular biology experience
DNA sequence analysis
Aseptic technique and microbiology
Familiarity with data analysis and statistics
Working conditions: Laboratory research with periods of intense focus and technical clarity. Organization, planning and record keeping for experiments are crucial and this work requires careful and deliberate effort. Effective communication between lab members is critical.
Department Contact for Questions
To apply: Please submit (1) a cover letter describing your interests and background, why you are interested in the position, and the date you are able to start, (2) a CV or resume, (3) names and contact information for two references. This can be submitted to the following link: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/33480. For questions about the position, contact Clay Fuqua (cfuqua@iu.edu).
Timing and compensation: Applicant review will begin on June 1, 2026. The initial appointment is for one year, with reappointment contingent on performance and continued funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience and full benefits are included. Best consideration date is 6/16/26 and expected start date is 7/1/26.
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 06/16/2026 Expected Start Date 07/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101580-2026