Research Assistant II, Rare Disease Translational Center

Location: Bar Harbor, Maine

Job Summary

Rare diseases affect millions of people, yet most have no approved treatments. The Rare Disease Translational Center (RDTC) at The Jackson Laboratory is working to change that by building clinically relevant mouse models and using them to test the therapies that could reach patients next, including emerging approaches such as gene therapy and RNA-based treatments. We’re looking for a motivated, detail-oriented full-time Research Assistant to join our team in Bar Harbor, Maine.

In this role, you’ll help characterize how disease unfolds in our models and generate the high-quality data that drives preclinical studies. You’ll work across a connected set of phenotyping and molecular workflows, including tissue collection, histology, microscopy and quantitative image analysis, molecular assays, and the omics approaches, such as RNA-seq and proteomics, that help us understand disease mechanisms and treatment response. You’ll own defined workstreams from start to finish and see how your work feeds directly into translational decisions. This is a strong fit for someone with hands-on laboratory experience who is ready for more responsibility and wants to deepen their skills in molecular biology, phenotyping, and rare disease research.

The Rare Disease Translational Center supports the overall mission of The Jackson Laboratory: To discover precise genomic solution for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. The RDTC works directly with foundations and their associated teams of basic and clinical researchers to generate custom mouse and cell based/in vitro models with clinical mutations to treat and cure rare diseases. This position is an exciting opportunity to work directly with the Center in supporting this mission.

Key Responsibilities (What you contribute)

Troubleshoots issues in research procedures, adjusts techniques or quality‑control measures, and identifies when methods require refinement.

Reviews and maintains research documentation, contributing to updates in methodology and collaborating with team members as needed.

Manages laboratory resources, including inventory, equipment, and workspace coordination.

Shares research knowledge by demonstrating procedures and assisting in training.

Performs assigned research tasks using established experimental methods, equipment, data collection tools, and analytical techniques.

Organizes, analyzes, and summarizes research data using scientific and statistical tools.

Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, presentations, and grant materials.

Conducts multiple experiments and maintains associated equipment, ensuring clear and timely communication of results.

Demonstrates comprehensive mouse handling and husbandry skills to support research operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (You're good at)

Comprehensive  mouse handling and husbandry skills required

Demonstrated ability in development of research protocols

Demonstrated success in coordinating and/or conducting multiple, concurrent assignments or a multi-faceted project

Ability to interact with all individuals in a productive, professional and positive manner to enhance the outcome of the goals of the research program

Established understanding of good lab safety practices and a demonstrated history of lab safe conduct

Self-motivated with the ability to organize time effectively, demonstrated ability to manage details

Advanced computer skills, ability to develop technical documents and presentations

Demonstrated team player with professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexible

Ability to work flexible shifts (evening/week-end/holiday)

Regular, reliable and consistent attendance

Minimum Requirements

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's required/ Bachelor's preferred

Experience Requirements: 2 years required; 4 years preferred

Supervisory: None

Pay Range: $42,751 - $71,575, pay is determined by 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, New York, Florida), 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.