New

Research Assistant

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, 403(b), retirement plan
United States, Illinois, North Chicago
Apr 10, 2026
Pay Rate: $17 -$22.00 /hour Depending on skills and experience Position Summary The Center for Genetic Diseases at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences invites applications for a full-time Research Assistant position in the laboratory of Dr. Paige Arneson-Wissink. The Arneson-Wissink laboratory uses mouse and cell-based models along with molecular and cellular techniques to better understand pancreatic cancer associated cachexia, survivorship after cachexia, and hepatic metabolism. The Research Assistant will conduct supervised research and provide support to other researchers in the lab in a highly collaborative and supportive environment. This position offers a highly motivated candidate an excellent opportunity for career development and to expand their skill set to include techniques such as mouse husbandry, mouse surgical technique, cell culture, and epigenetic sequencing (ChIP, ATAC, CUT&RUN). Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation/ personal leave, 15 sick days, and 9 paid holidays, paid winter break, plus two floating holidays. Interested applicants must provide a resume or CV with a list of three references, and a cover letter highlighting any relevant experiences or skills in order to be considered. Application review will begin immediately and be conducted on a rolling basis. Who We Are Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Today, the university's 6 colleges continue Dr Franklin's legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in a variety of settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices, and is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance. Essential Duties & Responsibilities General Lab: Contribute to routine lab maintenance including buffer preparation, small cleaning tasks, and proper equipment care Comply with safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized lab environment. Assist in training new lab members, with guidance from Dr. Arneson-Wissink Research and Experimentation: Independently conduct experiments (including cell culture, mouse husbandry, and molecular analyses) to advance the lab's scientific objectives, following established protocols. Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records of experiments and results. Complete data analysis, with support from Dr. Arneson-Wissink Present research findings in lab meetings and prepare data for publications, if applicable. Contribute to a collaborative and supportive research environment. Conditions of Employment Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check Required Education & Experience Applicant must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (including but not limited to biology, biochemistry, physiology). Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Applicant should have prior laboratory experience as would be achieved through college laboratory courses, internship experiences, or prior employment in a laboratory setting Applicants must be willing to conduct work with laboratory mice Applicants should be motivated and possess excellent organizational and time management skills Applicants should have a basic understanding of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Powerpoint). Preferred Qualifications Prior experience working in a wet lab with any of the following techniques: qPCR, westernblot, cell culture, RNA/DNA extraction, library preparation for sequencing Prior experience working with laboratory animal models of disease Prior experience in bioinformatics Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. EOE, Including Disability / Vets