Part-Time Research Assistant

As a part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, Marian University seeks a Part-Time Research Assistant to support research activities in Dr. Marsha DeSmet’s Research Group to promote the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by contributing to ongoing research projects focused on HPV molecular virology and cancer biology. The physical location of this work includes the Marian University Research Lab at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute and the Marian University–Indianapolis campus, supported by College of Medicine Faculty Research Development (FRD) funds,

This part-time position pays $18 per hour and is funded entirely through College of Medicine FRD funds. The position is available from October 2026 through April 2027.

The ideal candidate will have extensive prior laboratory and research experience, including experience with molecular biology and virology techniques. The individual will be expected to work independently on assigned research activities and contribute to laboratory experiments, data analysis, literature review, and manuscript preparation in support of ongoing research projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation through transformative education, unity in diversity, leadership through service, integrating faith and life, and institutional policies.
• Perform molecular biology, cell culture, and biochemical procedures supporting HPV molecular virology and cancer biology research projects, with the ability to independently carry out assigned experiments and troubleshoot routine experimental issues.
• Prepare samples and reagents, perform established laboratory assays, collect experimental data, and maintain accurate documentation of experimental procedures and results.
• Assist with the organization, analysis, and presentation of research data, including preparation of figures and tables for manuscripts, presentations, and other research materials.
• Conduct literature searches and contribute to literature reviews, reference organization, and preparation of scientific manuscripts.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, research documentation, and appropriate organization and storage of research samples.
• Assist with routine laboratory activities, including preparation of research materials, organization of laboratory supplies, and maintenance of the research environment.
• Follow institutional biosafety, chemical safety, and research protocols.
• Work independently on assigned research activities following established laboratory procedures and communicate experimental results and progress to the principal investigator and research team.
• Collaborate with the principal investigator, research technician, students, and other research personnel in support of ongoing research projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

University Expectations:

• Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of Marian University.
• Adheres to Marian University’s policies and procedures.
• Shows courtesy and respect in interactions with fellow employees, students, subordinates, and supervisors.
• Communicates regularly with the supervisor regarding research activities, progress, and laboratory issues.
• Meets department and research productivity standards.
• Participates in developing department and research goals, objectives, and systems.
• Assists in supporting departmental objectives that align with the University’s strategic goals.
• Adheres to applicable departmental and research budget requirements.

Required Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For Consideration All Applications Require:

• Cover Letter
• Current resume or CV
• Contact information of three professional references. The reference contact information must be entered after the application is submitted in the "My Presence" section of the applicant profile.
• Responses to the supplementary mission & identity questions.

Please Review Marian University’s Mission & Identity Statement before responding to the supplementary questions on your application:

https://www.marian.edu/faith

Essential Functions:

Work hours necessary to perform job requirements satisfactorily on a regular basis. Manage absence from work in responsible manner to ensure service to clients, work teams, and coworkers. Comply with Marian University policies and practices and seeking clarification of them when necessary.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands to handle or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with their hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and States Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Marian University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.