Research Technician

Fixed-term hourly position with pay range of $28.03–$33.65 per hour, based on education, experience, relevant skills, and internal equity.

About the role

The Research Technician will provide essential technical and operational support for a neuroscience research laboratory investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate oligodendrocyte development, myelination, and neuron–glia interactions in health and disease.

Responsibilities

• Under the Supervisor’s close guidance, perform a wide range of experimental procedures, including immunohistochemistry, microscopy, cell culture experiments, and animal colony maintenance.
• Collect and analyze data, and help ensure the successful execution of funded research projects.
• Prepare data figures and support training of students.
• Maintain a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables; place orders with vendors as needed.
• Conduct and document routine digital safety audits using the designated institutional portal; address and resolve small-scale safety violations to maintain compliance.
• Draft comprehensive standard operating procedures to facilitate the instruction of students, ensuring all laboratory tasks are performed with a high degree of caution and consistency.
• Ensure undergraduate student researchers maintain a safe laboratory environment and adhere to standard laboratory procedures.
• Prepare and submit reports as requested and required.
• Develop and implement guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in neuroscience, biology, or biochemistry.
• 0–2 years of experience in a research lab (paid or unpaid).
• Background in developmental and neurobiology, as well as a working knowledge of basic wet lab techniques.
• Experience with the following techniques:
  • Safe handling of hazardous chemicals
  • Animal handling
  • PCR
  • Gel electrophoresis
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy
  • Image analysis
  • Primary cell culture
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and enthusiastic about contributing to a dynamic, team-based research environment.
• Ability to:
  • Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations
  • Work independently
  • Work cooperatively as part of a research team, including regular progress reports to the supervisor and other members of the laboratory
  • Keep detailed records of work in laboratory notebook

Physical demands

• Considerable time spent doing hands-on work at a laboratory bench or fume hood.
• Considerable time spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• May be required to travel to other buildings on campus.
• May be required to attend conferences and/or training sessions within the Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.

Work environment

• Biology laboratory environment, including handling hazardous chemicals.
• Indoor laboratory environment with windows.
• Office and laboratory with equipment noise.
• Office and laboratory with frequent interruptions.
• Telecommute may be approved within California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, or Illinois.