Job Description

About Us:

At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Job Posting Title:

Research Project Assistant - Clinical Chemistry Laboratory

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUPBRC Clinical Chemistry - Support

Work Location:

LSU - Pennington Biomedical

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Research Project Assistant in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory. The Research Project Assistant plays a key support role within the Clinical Chemistry Core Laboratory, a full-service, CLIA- and CAP-accredited facility operating under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals with a background in the life sciences who are eager to gain hands-on experience in clinical research and laboratory operations. The assistant will support a variety of functions including specimen processing, data entry, regulatory documentation, and quality assurance. Working alongside licensed medical technologists, phlebotomists, and research staff, the Research Project Assistant will contribute to the successful execution of clinical trials and research studies conducted by Pennington Biomedical, the U.S. Army Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), and other institutional partners.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation, labeling, and processing of biological specimens (e.g., blood, urine) for analysis across departments such as Chemistry, Hematology, and Special Chemistry.
• Accurately record and enter laboratory data into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and research databases in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and study protocols.
• Support regulatory and quality assurance activities, including maintaining documentation for CLIA, CAP, and CDC program compliance.
• Collaborate with licensed technologists and research staff to ensure timely and accurate sample handling for clinical trials and research studies.
• Assist with participant coordination, including scheduling, check-in, and sample collection processes in collaboration with phlebotomy and clinical teams.
• Monitor and restock laboratory supplies, assist with equipment maintenance logs, and ensure biosafety and infection control protocols are followed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, or related discipline).
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety, specimen handling, and clinical research principles.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic data entry tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, regulated environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a clinical, research, or academic laboratory setting (e.g., internship, volunteer, or part-time work).
• Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), CLIA, or CAP guidelines.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) or electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap).
• Phlebotomy certification or experience handling biological specimens is a plus.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Job Description:

Competencies: None

Special Instructions:

Interested candidates should include a resume and a list of three (3) professional references to the online application. Professional references should be the name, title, company, and contact information from past employers. Professional references should include current or previous supervisors and/or coworkers. Personal references should not be considered for the reference check process. We will respect the request that we not contact a current employer. However, we will need to contact a prior supervisor if such a request is made. A letter of application/cover letter is recommended but not required. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.

Posting Date:

July 8, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

August 4, 2025

Additional Position Information:

Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.

Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.

Background Check: An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits: Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information:

Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.

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