Research Technician

Responsibilities

• Perform ELISA-based laboratory experiments to measure antibody responses to vaccine candidates and assess immune activity.
• Handle and process samples from animal studies, human clinical trials, and laboratory-produced proteins and antibodies in accordance with established protocols and safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment, including electronic pipettes, automated liquid handling systems, plate readers, and related instruments.
• Set up, run, and troubleshoot high-throughput assays, including processing large numbers of 384-well plates and managing very small sample volumes.
• Accurately document all experiments, including methods, conditions, and results, to ensure that findings are clear, traceable, and reproducible by other scientists.
• Review, organize, and analyze large datasets generated from daily assays, primarily using Excel and PowerPoint to summarize and present results.
• Track and manage samples, proteins, antibodies, and reagents to ensure proper labeling, storage, and availability for ongoing and future studies.
• Keep workspaces clean, organized, and compliant with laboratory safety and quality standards, including proper handling of potentially infectious materials.
• Collaborate closely with scientists and other team members, communicating progress, issues, and findings in a clear and timely manner.
• Use periods of reduced bench activity to complete data analysis, documentation, inventory management, and other non-laboratory tasks.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing research culture by actively participating in problem-solving and continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in a laboratory environment with demonstrated pipetting proficiency.
• Strong hands-on skills with ELISA or similar immunology assays, or the ability to quickly learn and execute these techniques.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data organization and analysis and PowerPoint for data presentation.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong record-keeping skills to ensure accurate documentation of experiments and results.
• Ability to manage and interpret large datasets generated from high-throughput assays.
• Comfort working on your feet for 4–6 hours per day in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and standard operating procedures consistently and accurately.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, samples, and reagents in a high-volume environment.
• Effective communication skills and comfort working in an interactive, team-based environment.
• Willingness and ability to work with human and non-human primate specimens, including potentially infectious materials, in a safe and compliant manner.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to think abstractly and apply scientific reasoning to troubleshoot and improve laboratory workflows.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Resourcefulness in managing laboratory tasks, inventory, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
• Evidence of tenure or stability in previous roles, reflecting reliability and commitment.
• Interest in immunology, vaccine development, and antibody-binding assays.
• Motivation to grow professionally through exposure to complex, large-scale research programs and high-impact science.
• Openness to pursuing permanent opportunities within the organization if and when hiring restrictions are lifted.

Work Environment

• This role is 100% onsite in a high-throughput immunology laboratory that focuses on antibody-binding and ELISA-based assays rather than cell culture, PCR, or molecular biology techniques.
• The lab processes a very high volume of 384-well plates daily, often generating up to approximately 19,000 individual data points in a single day, so the environment is fast-paced, detail-oriented, and highly structured.
• Typical hours are Monday through Friday, either 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch break.
• Bench work is most intensive in the morning, with activity slowing by late morning and a lull in bench work between approximately 2:00–4:00 p.m. that is used for data analysis, documentation, and inventory tasks.
• You will use electronic pipettes, automated liquid handling systems, plate readers, and standard laboratory instruments while working with human and non-human primate specimens, including potentially infectious materials, under appropriate safety procedures.
• The culture emphasizes mission-driven science with global impact, exposure to world-class research programs and complex funded projects, and strong support for growth, learning, and professional development.
• Team members work closely with faculty, scientists, and administrators in a collaborative, high-performing environment that values communication, partnership, and shared problem-solving, combining the stability of a major academic setting with the agility and innovation of a focused research center.