Job Description
Title Research Associate, Biology Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Biology Location Bloomington Position Summary
The Department of Biology is a large, unified department with strong undergraduate degrees, nationally-ranked graduate programs, and world-class research spanning the breadth of biological questions and experimental systems – from ecosystems to microbiology and developmental biology, from evolution to cell biology, from molecular biology to systems biology, bioinformatics, and genomics. For more information about the department, see
The Saltz Lab in the Department of Biology at Indiana University (saltzlab.com), Bloomington is seeking a Research Associate/Lab manager. Our department is a large, unified department with world-class research spanning all levels of biological organization and diverse experimental systems.
Our lab in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior investigates the evolutionary processes that shape behavior and its variation. We use sophisticated behavioral experiments and statistical analysis alongside other tools, focusing on fruit flies (
Drosophila melanogaster ) as a model system. The main goal for this position is to conduct research investigating genetic and genomic links between social preference, social dynamics, and the development of aggressive behavior in males.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about science and have exceptional organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail. This is a great position for a recent college graduate interested in obtaining research experience before moving on to graduate school or something else. I view it as an important part of my job to mentor you towards your next career step(s).
Core job duties include: (1) rearing large numbers of fruit flies and measuring their behavior and/or preserving them for genetic analysis. (2) Supervising and mentoring undergraduate and other contributors to the project (3) Supporting our research compliance associated documentation. (3) Management and analysis of large datasets. (4) Learning, conducting and teaching other lab members our key research protocols.
Other general responsibilities include: coordinating shared resources in the lab, managing general lab operations, troubleshooting problems, and participating in lab meetings.
Basic Qualifications Education and Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in a research setting OR Master’s degree that includes research experience.
Required skills:
- Demonstrates mastery of time management
- Maintains high degree of professionalism
- Ability to work effectively as a team
- Ability to be organized and detail-oriented
- Proficient communication skills, written and oral
- Anticipates and solves problems
- Highly dependable
- High degree of initiative
Preferred Skills - Hands-on research experience with live organisms (any species)
- Substantial knowledge of experimental design (e.g., block effects)
- Proficiency in working with large datasets
Department Contact for Questions
To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter describing your research and educational background, your career goals, why you are interested in this position, and the date you are available to start, (2) a CV or resume, and (3) the names and contact info of two references. This can be submitted at the following link. For questions about the position, contact Julia Saltz (
jbsaltz@iu.edu ).
Timing and Compensation: Review of applicants will begin December 31 and continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is in January or February 2026, but there is flexibility on this point. The initial appointment is for 1 year, and reappointment for up to 2 years is contingent upon satisfactory performance. Salary is commensurate with experience and starting at
$43,888. Full benefits are included.
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 12/01/2025 Expected Start Date 01/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101410-2025
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