Part-Time Research Assistant, Leuthner Lab, O'Neill School

THE O'NEILL SCHOOL - BL SPEA (BL-SPEA-IUBLA)

Founded in 1972, the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs is a nationally ranked academic institution located on the campus of Indiana University (IU) and home to 1 of the nation's top Master of Public Affairs programs. The O'Neill School is the largest school of public administration and public policy in the United States, boasting an alumni network of more than 37,000.

The O'Neill School of Public and Environment Affairs works to build a better world by stewarding the development of inclusive societies, democratic governance, and a healthy, sustainable environment. With partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, we pursue education, scholarship, and civic engagement at the crossroads of policy, science, and management. We give our students the knowledge and skills to have a significant impact around the globe.

• Excellence – Aiming to be the best in all that we do and developing the professional and personal capabilities necessary to improve the world through our work.
• Meaning and Impact – Pursuing careers and service that add purpose and meaning to our lives, encouraging others to do so, and improving quality of life for individuals and societies.
• Ongoing Learning – Continuously developing the skills, knowledge, experience, and sound judgment necessary for wise and informed decision-making.
• Well-being – Emphasizing the well-being and safety of individuals and the health of our natural environment as essential for thriving communities and well-functioning, just societies.

At the O'Neill School, we're committed to fostering a welcoming community for everyone who engages with our institution.

The Leuthner lab investigates molecular mechanisms of toxicity and variation in susceptibility to emerging contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The Leuthner lab uses high-throughput biological assays combined with advanced statistical and computational approaches to large-scale datasets. This position provides an excellent opportunity to continue scientific learning and develop various research skills. Previous pre-graduate students that have been mentored by Dr.

Leuthner with an interest in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, and toxicology have gone on to pursue graduate and medical professional degrees.

• Helps maintain
  
  C. elegans strains and performs acute toxicity experiments.
• Learn how to maintain and prepare worm strains, standard operating procedures to safely dose worms with various chemicals and quantify toxicity by imaging a plate on the Molecular Devices Image Xpress imaging system.
• Conduct research projects identifying the effect of chemical exposure on
  
  C. elegans development.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Performs routine laboratory experiments.
• Maintains a highly detailed laboratory notebook.
• Follows basic standard lab operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Monitors and inventories laboratory supply levels.
• Assists with and performs routine laboratory procedures and preparations.
• Maintains regulatory paperwork.
• Moves and relocates sensitive equipment as needed.
• May participate in the disposal of biological or radioactive waste.
• Other duties as assigned could include: data analysis, strain construction (generating Nearly Isogenic Lines and Recombinant Inbred Lines), and DNA/RNA isolation.

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).

• Some relevant work experience
• Previous research experience working in a biology lab.

• Required: Proficient communication skills; maintains a high degree of professionalism; demonstrates time management and priority setting skills; demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Preferred: Strong communication skills; excellent organizational skills; high motivation to learn; previous model organism experience.

This position is a one-year appointment scheduled to begin in May 2026 and conclude in May 2027.

Bloomington, Indiana.

Salary: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour, based upon experience.

Schedule:

20-29 hours per week; applies when campus is operational.

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Indiana University is an equal…