Research Technician, Mouse Colony - Palmiter Lab

Primary Work Address

Health Science Building, Seattle, WA, 98195-7370

About the role

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) seeks a Research Technician to join the Palmiter laboratory at the University of Washington. The lab focuses on studying neural circuits that control innate behaviors using mouse genetic models and viral gene transfer.

Responsibilities

• Set up breeding cages of mice, wean siblings, and cull mice not needed for experiments.
• Collect tail DNA samples and prepare DNA for genotyping.
• Maintain a spreadsheet of the mice in all the cages including the number of mice, sex, genotype, date of birth, etc.
• Respond to requests from lab members to expand the colony of certain mice needed for experiments.
• Transfer mice to other labs at the university and other places.
• Aid scientists and technicians by performing various research procedures.
• Maintain supplies used by the lab.
• Learn how the various lines of mice contribute to the lab effort by attending and participating in lab meetings and reading the literature.
• Opportunity to be involved in mouse behavioral experiments.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in the biological sciences or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience is required.
• Prior work handling mice and maintaining a mouse colony preferred.
• Some related laboratory experience helpful.
• Interest in neurobiology of behavior is a plus.
• Generally experienced in job duties and in the principles and practices associated with those duties with an understanding of the underlying scientific principles.
• Ability to draft routine reports and keep accurate records of work performed.
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.
• Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in the biological sciences or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience in handling mice and maintaining a mouse colony is preferred.
• Some related laboratory experience is helpful.
• An interest in neurobiology of behavior is a plus.
• Must be generally experienced in job duties and in the principles and practices associated with those duties with an understanding of the underlying scientific principles.
• Must be able to draft routine reports and keep accurate records of work performed.
• Must actively seek opportunities to increase skills and expertise.
• Must be able to learn complex tasks with general instruction.

Skills

• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Basic understanding of molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Training in animal (mouse) husbandry, including IACUC training and AALAC certification.
• Training in science writing and communication.
• 1:1 mentorship while also working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Opportunities for professional and educational development and growth, including assistance in preparing for graduate school applications and interviews.
• Contributing to exciting research projects with potential for authorship on research papers and the opportunity to present original work at scientific meetings.
• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

Pay

• Research Technician I (hourly): $19.24 (minimum) - $24.09 (midpoint) - $31.29 (maximum)
• Research Technician II (hourly): $23.00 (minimum) - $28.75 (midpoint) - $37.38 (maximum)

Schedule

This role is expected to work a total of 20 hours per week. The lab has flexibility to work with the chosen candidate to find a mutually agreeable work schedule.