What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate - Matrix Biology position at Louisiana State University?
About Us:
At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia,
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers
, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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Job Posting Title:
Research Associate - Matrix BiologyPosition Type:
Department:
Work Location:
Pay Grade:
Job Description:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Research Associate 1 or 2 in the Matrix Biology Laboratory.The Research Associate will support studies exploring the role of adipose tissue function in the contexts of obesity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This position involves assisting with cell culture, protein analysis, and daily laboratory operations, ensuring smooth workflow and compliance with research protocols. Additionally, the Research Associate will serve as the primary backup for managing laboratory activities, contributing to the organization and efficiency of ongoing projects. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biomedical research within a collaborative and dynamic laboratory environment.
Major Responsibilities
- Maintain cells in culture and perform experiments using various cell lines.
- Perform various experiments in cells and tissues to measure protein levels and protein-protein interactions.
- Assist lab staff with mouse colony maintenance and genotyping and various experiments involving the handling of mice, animal tissue collection/processing/analyses, and data maintenance.
- Coordinate with lab staff to gather information about study timelines and goals.
- Maintain working knowledge of equipment including set up, breakdown, sanitation, and proper storage of equipment when not in use.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory and center-wide standard operating procedures.
- Maintain detailed account of experimental procedures in lab notebook.
- Maintenance of common lab supplies and disposal of biohazard waste.
- Train support personnel and students to calculate assay results and analyze data.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
- One (1) year of lab experience (through coursework, internships, or research projects) in protein biology, biomedical research, or related areas.
- Experience and familiarity with mammalian cell culture, animal handling, and protein biology.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to proactively monitor and maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, and overall research operations to ensure efficiency and compliance with protocols.
Preferred Qualifications
- One (1) year of hands-on experience working with rodent models, including animal handling, tissue collection, and in vivo experimental procedures.
- Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques, including aseptic technique, cell maintenance, and functional assays, as well as expertise in Western blotting and protein analyses for studying cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Experience in data analysis and interpretation, including quantitative and statistical analysis of experimental results, with the ability to synthesize findings and contribute to research discussions and publications.
- As part of a career progression group, this position may be filled with a Research Specialist 1 or 2 depending on the level of experience of the selected candidate.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.
Additional Job Description:
Competencies:
None
Special Instructions:
Interested candidates should include a resume and a list of three (3) professional references to the online application. Professional references should be the name, title, company, and contact information from past employers. Professional references should include current or previous supervisors and/or coworkers. Personal references should not be considered for the reference check process. We will respect the request that we not contact a current employer. However, we will need to contact a prior supervisor if such a request is made.A letter of application/cover letter is recommended but not required. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.
Posting Date:
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
Additional Position Information:
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
. For more information, visit PBRC
.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to
hrm@pbrc.edu
.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N):
Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and SAME Agency:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center and LSU believes diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich the educational experience of our students, faculty, and staff, and are necessary to prepare all people to thrive personally and professionally in a global society. We celebrate diversity and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and encourage qualified applications from persons with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. PBRC and LSU are also designated as a
State As a Model Employer (SAME)
agency and provides assistance to persons needing accommodations or with the accessibility of materials. For those seeking such accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resource Management at hrm@pbrc.edu.Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or
hrm@pbrc.edu
.
