Research Associate

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’re 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 with the core talent and capability to pursue translational science in this new patient-centric framework: 

• Disease, Systems, Pathways – We’re working to understand diabetes better and identify new ways to combat the disease. We’re applying this learning to other conditions that share common systems and pathways.
• Molecular Innovation – We’re developing new capabilities for molecular design and drug discovery to investigate disease processes and pursue new therapeutic approaches.
• Integrated Data Sciences – We’re 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’re 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 position is available at the IBRI in the Cellular Pharmacology laboratory under the direction of Mustapha Moussaif. This program works with academic and industrial partners to develop therapies and molecular diagnostics (small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and recombinant proteins), primarily focused on cancer, neurodegenerative, diabetes, cardiometabolic and autoimmune disorders.

The selected candidate will be part of a team responsible for small and large therapeutic molecules discovery and development. The candidate and team access a broad range of biochemical and cellular assays from assay development to automation using a large variety of detection technologies. The candidate will work independently and in conjunction with development team to support programs/projects need and will be responsible for the design and implementation of in vitro cellular pharmacology-based assays and execution of molecular engineering strategies of lead molecules based on target characteristics.  

Responsibilities: 

• Perform in vitro pharmacology experiments requiring cellular, molecular, and immunological techniques, including BSL2 tissue culture, cell-based assays, ELISAs, Western blots flow cytometry and high content imaging.
• Work on projects that involve the discovery of small and large therapeutic molecules and elucidate their mode of action.
• Execute experiments with careful attention to detail and accurately recording of procedures, data, and results.
• Work closely with project lead at all levels (including experimental design, implementation, and analysis) to rapidly advance research plans.
• Train to develop and plan assays.
• Participate in interactions with team members to present data and provide input on next steps.
• Assume additional responsibilities as required.

Qualifications: 

Specific skills and qualifications for the position include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Neurobiology, or a related field with 3 years of experience in a laboratory.
• Hands-on experience with cellular, molecular, and immunological techniques, including but not limited to mammalian cell co-culture and aseptic techniques, cell-based assays such as ELISAs, Western, flow cytometry and high content imaging.
• A background in neurobiology focusing on neurodegeneration, inflammation and interactions between neurons, astrocytes, and microglia is desirable.
• Ability to efficiently work in team-based environment on challenging drug discovery projects utilizing high throughput cell culture and screening techniques.
• Highly organized with the ability to design, schedule, perform experiments and balance multiple project priorities, keep detailed electronic notes, be open to learning new techniques, and have strong time management and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience working with scientific analytical programs (Snap gene, GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, ImageJ, etc.) is desirable.
• Confident, execution-focused, team-oriented, with a strong work ethic.
• Interested individuals should apply online and include a cover letter.

Compensation:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered, commensurate with experience.

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 status.

Apply:

Please visit us at www.indianabiosciences.org/careers-apply to apply for this opportunity. Interested individuals are encouraged to provide their CV/resume and a brief cover letter with their application.