Research Associate I

Position Type: Full-time onsite

Why Join Us?
At the Buck Institute, we are at the forefront of science, advancing knowledge in the biology of aging and reproductive health. This Research Associate I (RAI) position is a joint hire between the Reproductive Biology Hub and the Duncan Lab. The Reproductive Biology Hub is a core facility dedicated to supporting cutting-edge reproductive aging studies. The Duncan Lab is at the forefront of research on female reproductive aging, investigating its underlying mechanisms using mammalian model systems. As part of our dynamic team, you will contribute to research aimed at understanding the mechanisms driving female reproductive aging. Our research will improve the fertility- and health-spans across generations through the discovery of novel cellular pathways for therapeutic interventions.

We offer:

• Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborative, cutting-edge research using state-of-the-art techniques.
• Competitive Salary: $50,000 - $67,000 (commensurate with experience).
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Health insurance.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Generous PTO.
  • 401(k) with 5% employer match and student debt option.

About the Role
The RAI will learn to perform basic reproductive techniques using mammalian models under the direct supervision of Bikem Soygur Kaya, PhD, Director of the Reproductive Biology Hub, and remote supervision of Francesca Duncan, PhD, Associate Professor in Residence. This role combines hands-on experimentation with opportunities to contribute intellectually to impactful research.

We’re looking for a candidate with:

• Passion for reproductive biology and aging research.
• Strong laboratory skills and a willingness to work with mammalian model systems.
• A proactive mindset and ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment.

Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Research & Experimentation

• Design, optimize, and execute experiments.
• Contribute to weekly meetings with Principal Investigator and lab members.
• Perform routine cellular, molecular biology, and biochemistry techniques.
• Maintain and manage a mouse breeding colony (husbandry, health monitoring).
• Can work occasional holidays and weekends as needed.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results.
• Keep up to date in reproductive biology and aging literature.

Facility & Lab Management

• Order supplies and prepare reagents.
• Maintain laboratory facilities and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Support collaborators and researchers in the Reproductive Biology Hub.

Intellectual Contribution

• Maintain a detailed digital lab notebook with protocols, data, and analysis.
• Generate figures, graphs, and representative images for publications and presentations.
• Participate in oral and written presentations

Mentorship & Collaboration

• Mentor students and demonstrate laboratory techniques on reproductive biology
• Demonstrate or teach laboratory techniques to lab members, collaborators, employees, or users of the Reproductive Biology Hub

Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field.

Experience

• 1+ years of laboratory experience in basic science research.
• Familiarity with reproductive biology, aging research, or mouse genetics is highly desirable.
• Experience in techniques such as:
  • Working with mouse models and mouse colony management.
  • Tissue collection and cell/organ isolation.
  • Immunohistochemistry and microscopy (brightfield, fluorescence, confocal).
  • Female or male reproductive biology techniques.
  • DNA, RNA, and protein isolation (e.g., PCR, Western blot).
  • Experimental design, protocol optimization, and data analysis.

Skills

• Strong foundation in scientific principles and research methodology.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Robust communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to work both independently and within a team.