The Bennett Lab is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented full-time Research Assistant to join our team at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor. The successful candidate will contribute to efforts focused on understanding signals regulating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) formation during embryonic development. We investigate the developmental origins of blood stem cells using cutting-edge approaches including mouse genetics, embryo dissection, transplantation assays, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, single-cell genomics (scRNA-seq and related platforms), and ex vivo culture systems. Ongoing projects seek to identity new regulators of HSC formation and examine signaling pathways that regulate the maturation of rare embryonic HSC precursors into fully functional transplantable stem cells. Results from these studies will advance our understanding of stem cell biology and inform strategies to generate clinically useful HSCs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
The successful candidate should have an attention to detail and organization skills as well as an enthusiasm for understanding biological processes. This position is an excellent opportunity for experienced research associates seeking to expand their technical expertise or energetic recent graduates with a passion for biomedical research. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
- Conducts laboratory experiments and procedures following established or detailed protocols, such as standard flow cytometry experiments and transplantation studies
- Assists with mouse colony management, genotyping, breeding, and animal procedures in accordance with institutional guidelines.
- Collects, organizes, and analyzes experimental data; maintains accurate laboratory records and uploads results to laboratory databases within timelines agreed to with supervisor
- Assists in preparation of reagents, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and general laboratory organization.
- Other duties as assigned.
Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Skills with mouse handling and husbandry preferred.
- Prior experience with molecular biology, cell culture, or flow cytometry.
- Fundamental computer skills, including familiarity with Excel, Word, and basic data organization tools.
- Ability to clearly and concisely communicate information verbally and in writing.
- Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and sustained concentration.
- Ability to work collaboratively with scientists, trainees, and support staff in a productive and professional environment.
- Demonstrated understanding of laboratory safety practices and responsible conduct of research.
- Proven ability to organize time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving research priorities.
- Regular, reliable, and consistent attendance.
Education Required:
High School Diploma or GED
Education Preferred:
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, or related field
Experience Required:
1 year preferred; equivalent academic laboratory experience considered
Pay Range:
$18 - $28 per hour, depending upon 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
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, or related field
- 1 year preferred; equivalent academic laboratory experience considered
The Jackson Laboratory Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Jackson Laboratory and has not been reviewed or approved by The Jackson Laboratory.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions up to 10% and employer‑paid life and disability insurance indicate robust long‑term financial support. The retirement program is positioned as a standout element of the total package.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, fertility benefits, FSAs, EAP access, and onsite fitness centers point to strong healthcare support. These offerings contribute to a well‑rounded, reliable benefits foundation.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Entry‑level operations roles advertise site‑specific starting pay with regularly scheduled increases. Publicly posted entry rates and promised regular increases can help satisfaction early on.
The Jackson Laboratory Insights
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







