Research Assistant III/IV - Infectious Diseases - Jain Lab

Join the newly established Jain Lab led by Dr. Sanjay Jain at Cincinnati Children’s to advance precision imaging of infectious diseases. Our research centers on the pathogenesis of high‑containment and bacterial pathogens—including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS‑CoV‑2—using small‑animal models and cutting‑edge molecular imaging (CT, PET, SPECT, MRI). As a Research Assistant, you’ll help develop and evaluate novel radiopharmaceutical tracers, contribute to translational projects moving first‑in‑human diagnostics forward, and work within rigorous biosafety and compliance frameworks to generate high‑impact data. Because this is a new lab, familiarity with Cincinnati Children’s internal processes and regulatory documentation will be a plus as we stand up operations—all in service of improving childhood immunizations and global child health.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership - May act as a mentor to more junior staff, serve as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance and work direction. May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development and performance management.

• Lab Administration - Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) training according to regulations. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Operate laboratory apparatus and equipment. Assists in daily operations of the laboratory including answering phone, maintaining lab supplies, organization, and cleanliness. Provide appropriate oversight for all required compliance issues as requested by the Principal Investigator.

• Develop, set-up, and verify new procedures in the lab - Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Participate in the development of new assays and testing of new protocols. Modify existing procedures as necessary to troubleshoot or make modifications based on changes in research design.

• Design and perform experiments and record data - Follow and formulate both existing and new research protocols. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used. Analyze data, perform statistical and graphical analysis of data, and interpret results. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments. Assist in training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment. Contribute and write material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications.

• Serve as a Resource - Demonstrate advanced competence in specific knowledge, skills and behaviors. Effectively communicate with team members and contribute to their growth by sharing knowledge, experience, and skills; stay abreast of changes in key systems; serve as an expert resource to the department, and/or hospital in specific area(s).

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required for RAIII:

·Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience OR Master's degree in a related field

Required for RAIV:

· Bachelor's degree in a related field

· 3 years of experience in related job discipline OR Master's degree and 2 years experience

Expected Starting Hourly Rate:   24.30 - 28.46 (RAIII) 26.82 – 33.21 (RAIV)

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At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability