Research Assistant II | Lau Lab

Research Assistant II - Lau Lab

The Ching Lau Lab focuses on pediatric brain and bone tumor research, including tumor genomics, development of cell and mouse models, liquid biopsy technologies, and therapeutic discovery. Our mission is to improve the survival and outcomes of pediatric patients through innovative translational research.

This Research Assistant II will support these efforts by performing mouse experiments, processing clinical samples, and conducting cell‑based assays. Under supervision, this role involves executing and optimizing experimental procedures, analyzing data, and preparing reports. Success in this position requires a deep commitment to advancing pediatric oncology, solid technical abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work efficiently in a fast‑paced research environment. Flexible scheduling-including evenings, weekends, and holidays-is required based on laboratory and project needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage mouse colonies and perform critical procedures including health monitoring, injections, imaging, and tissue collection.
• Keep up to date and amend, as needed, IACUC protocols at JAX and UCHC.
• Conduct and optimize laboratory experiments; support clinical sample processing, cell‑based assays, and patient‑derived xenograft (PDX) model development.
• Document experiments with high precision, perform initial data analysis using statistical tools, and maintain organized databases.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and manuscripts; conduct literature reviews to evaluate and propose alternative experimental methodologies.
• Maintain laboratory resources inventory, and ensure strict adherence to ethical, safety, and regulatory standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced skills in mouse handling, husbandry, and biomethods.
• Basic statistical proficiency; experience with GraphPad Prism and/or R preferred.
• Ability to prepare technical documents, maintain databases, and develop clear, well‑organized presentations.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with a proven ability to meet project deadlines and manage shifting priorities with a positive, adaptable attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to effective collaboration in a team‑oriented environment.
• Reliable, consistent attendance and a strong work ethic.
• Commitment to accuracy, safety, and responsible laboratory conduct.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by experimental timelines.
• Ability to travel to Maine Campus for mouse handling and procedure training.

Education requirement

Education Required: High School Diploma or GED

Education Preferred: Bachelor's Degree

Experience Required: 2 years

Experience Preferred: 5 years

Pay range

The salary range is 45,835.00- 73,336.00 per year.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.