Position Title:Research Technician II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field (e.g., biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or a similar area).
Basic experience working with rodents, such as rats, through coursework, labs, internships, or previous research experiences.
Experience with Western blotting techniques, whether through class labs, research projects, or hands-on training.
Experience with tissue processing or histology methods (e.g., cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, or microscopy) in an academic or research setting.
Experience working in a laboratory environment, including following protocols, maintaining equipment, or documenting data.
Job Description:
Are you passionate about neuroscience research and excited to support discoveries that advance our understanding of epilepsy? The Epilepsy Lab in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Technician II to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on lab work, working closely with researchers, and contributing to impactful scientific studies.
In this role, you will support daily research operations in a collaborative lab environment. You’ll work closely with the Principal Investigator, graduate students, postdocs, and other lab personnel.
Main Responsibilities
Perform technical laboratory procedures including cryosectioning, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, tissue processing, and biochemical assays. Support molecular biology activities such as tissue culture, cloning, viral vector preparation, imaging, and stereology. Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, assist with routine calibrations, and submit supply orders to keep research activities running smoothly. Record and organize experimental data in lab software; communicate results and testing needs with lab personnel. Participate in lab upkeep by maintaining clean lab spaces and performing routine equipment and microscope maintenance.
Schedule: Part-time position, 20 hours per week,
Term: 1-year term appointment, with opportunity for renewal based on funding
Work Environment: On-site research lab located within the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine supports innovative research in neuroscience, physiology, molecular biology, and disease mechanisms. The Epilepsy Lab, under the leadership of Dr. Thimmasettappa Thippeswamy, investigates the biological pathways underlying epilepsy with a focus on discovering new therapeutic strategies. The lab fosters a collaborative, supportive environment where research personnel are valued contributors to scientific discovery.
Example of Duties- Performs a variety of tests requiring a high degree of proficiency.- Collects, analyzes, and processes laboratory samples or research data.- Troubleshoots problems and recommends solutions.- Determines testing methods for non-standardized test.- Cleans, sanitizes, maintains, and operates lab equipment.- Assists scientists with research and record findings in the field or lab.- Maintains sample tracking.Level Guidelines- Career-level position demonstrating proficiency and knowledge of related competencies- Works under direct to general supervision and may receive guidance on more complex assignments- Follows established procedures for work assignments, and completes assignments which are semi-routine and may be atypical in nature- Applies thorough knowledge to respond to inquiries and requests- Able to resolve most problems and issues and respond to requests without escalation- Provides guidance to students- May provide supervision to one to two other staff or lead a small work team
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:March 15, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Part time
Pay Grade:PS805
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
Original Posting Date: January 29, 2026
Posting Close Date:February 11, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R18529
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
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If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.