We are the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI). We are a leading translational research institute that advances academic and industry science through collaboration to improve patient health outcomes. Building your career at the IBRI in Indianapolis’ 16 Tech Innovation District means being part of a team of renowned scientists, creative thinkers, and innovative leaders.

Today’s research is being driven by significant advances in our abilities to study complex disease processes and propose new ways to improve patients’ lives. To reflect the evolving nature of life sciences research and encourage synergies through collaboration, we are enhancing our integrated capabilities, adding depth to how we approach patient-informed translational science and pursuing four foundational areas of scientific focus. These four areas will provide us the core talent and capability to pursue translational science in this new patient-centric framework: 

• Disease, Systems, Pathways – We are working to better understand diabetes and identify new ways to combat the disease. We are applying this learning to other diseases that share common systems and pathways.
• Molecular Innovation – We are developing new capabilities for molecular design and drug discovery to investigate disease processes and pursue new therapeutic approaches.
• Integrated Data Sciences – We are pursuing advanced data sciences to create novel end-user inspired solutions that address complex analysis, simulation, and prediction across the translational sciences. 
• Enabling Technologies – We are building a rich platform of enabling technologies that give our scientists, partners, and collaborators access to the best tools to solve complex scientific problems.

The IBRI’s vision is to build a world-class organization of researchers, innovators and business professionals that catalyze activities across the Indiana (and beyond) life sciences community. To achieve that vision, we look for curious and collaborative team members who are energized by innovation, guided by integrity, and inspired by diversity.

The Opportunity:

A Research Associate opportunity is available at the IBRI Diabetes Center in the established laboratory of Dr. Erica Cai. The research focus of Cai’s laboratory is the molecular mechanisms that protect beta cells against autoimmune destruction and cellular stress-induced cell death, as well as the identification of genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes prevention.

The selected candidate will participate in a team working with beta cell lines and diabetic mouse models, performing DNA/RNA/protein purifications, advanced molecular biology techniques, and developing new molecular biology protocols.

The selected candidate will help run experiments, manage the laboratory inventory, and develop lines of research with support from Dr. Cai. Self-motivated individuals with experience in virus production, gene editing, and animal works are highly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and conduct scientific experiments working with supervision and independently as projects develop including, but not limited to: 
  • Molecular biology
  • Gene editing and CRISPR screening
  • Virus production and delivery
  • Mammalian cell culture system
  • Mouse studies
• Accurately document research findings and assist in preparation of data for publication, presentations and grant funding applications
• Work with the team to maintain the supplies, equipment, and institutional requirements for safety and lab operations
• Maintain a reliable work schedule

Qualifications:

• BS with two-year minimum research experience or MS in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, immunology or related field is required
• Must be hardworking, highly motivated, well organized, and able to work with minimal supervision in a small group setting
• Good communication skills and a team player
• Must be comfortable working independently in a laboratory setting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required; experience with GraphPad Prism is a plus.
• Experience with animal works is plus
• Experience with CRISPR technology and gene editing is preferred
• Experience with viral works is preferred
• Experience with R or Python program is preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected sta