Research Technician

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Technician.

The Research Technician will support multidisciplinary laboratory research involving animal models, human biospecimens, molecular and cellular biology, organoid, ex vivo and in vitro model systems, and imaging-based studies. The position will involve substantial hands-on work with animal models, including mouse handling, mouse colony maintenance, in vivo imaging, and support of animal-based experiments, as well as human sample and biospecimen processing and management. Laboratory responsibilities will also include tissue and cell culture, DNA, RNA and protein extraction, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, ELISA, and other molecular and protein-based assays.
The candidate should be highly motivated, organized, reliable, and able to work collaboratively with laboratory members while performing assigned responsibilities independently following appropriate training. The technician will also assist with research documentation, biospecimen databases, laboratory inventory, compliance, and general laboratory organization.

Job Responsibilities:

Lab and Research Duties: Perform basic and advanced laboratory duties and maintain accurate and organized experimental records. Participate regularly in animal research, including mouse handling, colony maintenance, in vivo animal imaging, and animal-based experiments. Assist with human sample collection, processing, organization, and biospecimen management, including isolation of PBMCs and lymphocytes from blood, sample banking and inventory, and associated documentation. Prepare single-cell samples for multi-omics sequencing and assist with isolation and culture of microbes. Perform tissue and cell culture, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, ELISA, and other molecular and cellular assays. The technician may also support organoid and ex vivo/in vitro model systems. Additional specialized experimental procedures may be performed following appropriate training.

Assist with collection, organization, and basic analysis of experimental data and preparation of data for presentations, posters, and manuscripts. Participate in laboratory meetings and perform other research-related duties as required. Assist with maintaining research documentation and compliance related to IACUC animal research and human subjects/IRB protocols, and maintain REDCap or other research databases for biospecimens and study data.

Judgment/Decision-Making: Recognize problems as they occur and apply appropriate laboratory policies and procedures to determine or recommend solutions. Seek guidance, when necessary, ask appropriate questions, and use relevant resources to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

Communication/Relationship with Others: Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with investigators, laboratory members, research staff, and other institutional personnel. Communicate experimental needs, problems, and relevant information in a timely manner. Maintain confidentiality of research and human biospecimen information. Effective oral and written communication skills are required.

Assist in Developing Procedures: Assist with implementation and optimization of experimental procedures and research protocols. Participate in implementing approved modifications to existing procedures and maintain current technical knowledge relevant to ongoing research.

Additional Position Specific Responsibilities:
The position supports multidisciplinary and translational research programs spanning retinal degeneration and ocular disease, neuroscience, gut microbiome research, multi-omics approaches, advanced imaging, and organoid, ex vivo and in vitro model systems. Research activities integrate animal models and human biospecimens with molecular, cellular, imaging, and omics-based approaches.
The technician will have regular hands-on involvement in mouse colony maintenance, animal handling, in vivo imaging, and animal-based experiments, while also supporting human biospecimen processing and related laboratory studies. The position provides opportunities to work across complementary animal, human, molecular, cellular, imaging, and omics-based research projects.

Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify you must have a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Life Sciences or a related field with one year of experience. Advanced (beyond basic lab training will be accepted in lieu of experience as assessed by the hiring Principal Investigator). Effective oral and written communication skills required.

Preferred Qualifications:
Master of Science degree in Life Sciences, Biology, Neuroscience, Genetics, or a related field preferred.
Hands-on experience with laboratory animals, particularly mouse handling and colony maintenance, is strongly preferred. Experience with animal-based research, in vivo imaging, human sample/biospecimen processing, molecular biology, protein-based assays, and tissue or cell culture is desirable. The candidate should be comfortable working with both animal models and human research samples and be willing to learn additional specialized techniques as required.

Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.