New

Temporary Research Assistant

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Feb 23, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Temporary Research Assistant
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research Support (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	RWJ - Child Health Institute
Overview	New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state-at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark's University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Temporary Research Assistant for the Child Health Institute of NJ at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Under the direction of Dr. Bobby Brooke Herrera (PI), the Temp Research Assistant ( TRA) will be responsible for performing experiments focused on T cell vaccine studies in flavivirus infected mice, and development of RPA-based diagnostics for viral infections. The project is part of a larger effort in the lab to develop vaccines and diagnostics for emerging viral infections. The TRA should have a broad (college-level) knowledge of virology and immunology and ideally some research experience in mouse models. The TRA will be responsible for the maintenance and analysis of mouse models of flavivirus infections and the performance of experiments in collaboration with other lab members. The PI and other lab members will allocate tasks and oversee progress. As part of their professional development to transition to the next phase of their career, the TRA will be trained in improving their experimental design skills and their oral and written presentation skills. Multiple resources for career development, to aid with these requirements, will be provided by the PI and Rutgers University. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Maintain mice colonies by breeding and genotyping, and performing vaccine and infection studies in these mice models. Protein expression of LFn-based vaccines. Neutralization of flavivirus antibodies and flow cytometry of virus-specific T cells. Develop and validation of RPA-based viral diagnostics. Compile and analyze data with appropriate statistical analysis, conclusions, and future directions in support of further CHI research. Adhere to established performance standards and coordination of instrumentation and experimental approaches in support of CHI research.
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	99H
Salary Details	$20 - $24 per hour; based on experience
Minimum Salary	15.49
Mid Range Salary	75.00
Maximum Salary	150.00
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Part Time
Working Hours	37.5 per week max
Standard Hours	40.00
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description	Hourly Employees
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly
Position Pension Eligibility	None

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Current advanced undergraduate student or recent graduate majoring in a biomedical discipline. Broad (college-level) knowledge of virology and immunology.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must have effective oral and written communication skills. Must be computer literate with proficiency and working knowledge of database and reporting tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must have the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
Preferred Qualifications	Some research experience in mouse models, preferred.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Physical Demands: Must be able to perform laboratory research. Some lifting may be required: laboratory items, tanks, and/or boxes. Walking, standing, sitting is required. Work Environment: Must pass employee health clearance, TB test and required safety and animal training. Must follow all safety precautions in laboratory, as required. Research laboratory and office setting, moderate noise levels.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	26ST0343
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	College Ave (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement