The Research Assistant I provides entry‑level support to ongoing scientific research projects under direct supervision. This role focuses on learning the foundational context, methods, and standards of the research program while applying basic theoretical knowledge to assigned tasks. Responsibilities typically include assisting with project planning, performing routine research procedures, collecting and organizing data, and contributing to the preparation of reports and publications.
Key Responsibilities (What you contribute)
- Conducts tests, experiments, and/or procedures following standard or detailed protocol; identifies and documents variations that may affect the validity of the experiment.
- Data collection and analysis. Performs quality control, monitors data for accuracy, uploads data to database system within agreed upon timelines with supervisor.
- Validate and conduct studies based upon standard experimental protocols within the agreed upon timelines with supervisor/technical manager. Ensure functionality and maintenance of instrumentation.
- May support preparation for publications and reports.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (You're good at)
- Basic laboratory skills and adherence to standard lab safety practices; mouse handling and husbandry preferred.
- Fundamental computer skills, including use of Excel and Word.
- Clear verbal and written communication abilities.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain focus and manual dexterity.
- Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with others.
- Demonstrated commitment to safe work habits and established safety protocols.
- Effective time‑management skills, including the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
- Reliable and consistent attendance.
Education : High School Diploma or GED required / Bachelor's Degree preferred
Experience : 1 year required/ 2 years preferred
Supervisory: None
Pay Range: $19 - $26 per hour, based on experience
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
Skills Required
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Bachelor's Degree preferred
- 1 year research experience required
- 2 years research experience preferred
What We Do
Cancer. Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart Disease. Parkinson’s. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) leads the search to cure diseases rooted in our DNA. Founded in 1929, we are an NCI-designated Cancer Center since 1983 and an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization with over 90 years of experience in genetics and genomics research. JAX blends the brightest minds with state-of-the-art resources to accelerate discovery. Areas of Discovery (75+ Principal Investigators, >250 Ph.D.s, M.D.s, and D.V.M.s): • Cancer: We are a National Cancer Institute designated Cancer Center focusing on cancer initiation, progression, prevention and therapies. • Developmental/reproductive biology: birth defects, Down syndrome, osteoporosis, fertility • Immunology: HIV-AIDS, anemia, autoimmunity, cancer immunology, immune disorders, lupus, transplant rejection • Metabolic diseases: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, microbiome • Neurobiology: blindness, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, deafness, epilepsy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases • Neurobehavioral disorders: autism, addiction, depression Supporting Global Research: • The JAX Mouse Repository and Scientific Services are among the premier resources available for biomedical research. Committed to Education: • Summer Student Program (undergrad & high school) • Teaching the Genome Generation Short Course • Ph.D. programs: U. Maine, Tufts University and U. Connecticut • Courses, Conferences and Workshops






