Research Associate 3

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Job Posting Title:

WAE-Research Associate 3

Position Type:

Wages as Earned (Fixed Term)

Department:

LSUAM VetMed - VCS - Laboratory for Equine and Comparative Orthopedic Research (Mandi J Lopez (00001417))

Work Location:

Veterinary Medicine

Pay Grade:

Job Description:

Individual must possess comprehensive knowledge and experience in molecular biology techniques including but not limited to cell culture, RT-PCR, western blotting, basic histology, and ELISA. Person should be detail oriented and highly motivated with a well-rounded research background.  Individual must be able and willing to acquire new skills through both formal training and instruction as needed. Oversight of laboratory trainees with diverse expertise levels is required. The individual is responsible for maintenance of and training on all laboratory equipment. The individual is responsible for laboratory procedures and animal care.

Job Responsibilities:

20% Schedule, organize, perform and troubleshoot/optimize research procedures/techniques for numerous simultaneous research projects involving multiple steps and a variety of materials and equipment.  Identify appropriate new research procedures as needed.  Learn, implement, and perform these procedures.  Must be capable of identifying appropriate assays and evaluations, performing them, and analyzing results independently.

15% Perform various bench top laboratory procedures. Identify appropriate new analytical techniques as needed.  Learn, implement and perform these techniques; and interpret and report obtained results.  Optimize/troubleshoot both new and existing techniques, and suggest alternative methods where appropriate.  Leads and teaches other technicians, students and professionals in performance of new and existing techniques.

15% Assist with maintenance and operation of data acquisition equipment including mechanical testing, gait analysis, and image capture systems.

15% Assist in the preparation, writing and routing of research proposals and scientific manuscripts.  Contribute publication quality procedure and results descriptions, and images for manuscripts, abstracts, and proposals. 

10% Data management for numerous simultaneous projects, including data collection as well as development of computerized data recording, measuring, and retrieval systems.  Statistical analysis of research data.  Participate in and provide training in complex computer programs necessary to analyze data and run equipment. Teach and oversee trainees on the same programs and processes.

10% Schedule, organize, and perform or assist in medical and surgical procedures including  patient restraint and preparation, anesthesia, appropriate set up and preparation for sterile surgical procedures, administration of medications, collection and processing of  specimens, and patient recovery and aftercare.  Provide veterinary care to post- operative patients independently with consultation with the PI.  Teach and oversee trainees on the same procedures.

10% Perform medical record and scientific literature searches independently.

5% Oversee and coordinate daily observation and monitoring of study subjects on numerous simultaneous projects independently.  Schedule, organize, and independently collect or oversee collection of samples or data from study subjects as necessary.  Prepare samples for storage, submission to in-house laboratory or shipment to outside facilities.  Collect and organize data appropriately. The research associate is expected to use a company vehicle to transport specimens, supplies, or reagents as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's Degree in a related field OR Bachelor's degree and two years related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in a related field with 2 years of experience.

Specific Experience: Cellular-molecular biology, cell culture, image analysis, surgical assistance, anatomy, RT-PCR.

Additional Job Description:

Special or Physical Qualifications:

Required to be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, standing or walking for prolonged periods, able to reach above and below the shoulder, vision (near sight), vision (far sight), kneel or sit on the floor, push/pulling, grasping, climbing, crawling bending, squatting, and/or twisting.  

Special Instructions:

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application. However, original transcripts are required prior to hire (if applicable). Please provide your resume and three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.

This position will provide coverage for the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as needed at an employment effort not to exceed an average of 29 hours per week.

Please direct any questions to Dr. Mandi Lopez at [email protected]

Posting Date:

October 22, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

December 31, 2025

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: