Research Technician, Mouse Surgery- Sternson Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
United States, California, La Jolla
April 17, 2024
Primary Work Address: Leichtag Biomedical Research Building, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0646 Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account. We are currently seeking a Research Technician to join the lab of Dr. Scott Sternson at the University of California, San Diego. The Sternson lab's research investigates how the brain controls appetite. They study multiple circuits throughout the brain as well as the interactions between neural systems that mediate hunger, thirst, and stress. Critical to this effort, the lab develops cutting-edge deep-brain calcium imaging methods that are integrated with spatial transcriptomic techniques to build a rigorous, systematic framework for the cellular and molecular components of the entire sequence of appetite behaviors (food-seeking, consumption, satiety). Their goal is to use these detailed molecular and cellular models of appetite to develop mechanism-based treatment strategies for obesity and other neurological disorders. More information can be found on their website The ideal candidate is an organized, proactive professional who will support a team of postdoctoral fellows with their research projects by performing genotyping of the lab's mouse colony, general mouse behavioral training, intracranial surgery, brain sectioning/histology, and data analysis. Each position within the lab makes valued contributions that drive science forward. This would be an excellent role for someone who desires to gain additional years of hands-on research experience before pursuing graduate school or medical school. As with all roles involving animal work, this position will require flexible hours depending on the needs of the experiment. We are ideally targeting someone who is enthusiastic and passionate about the work that they do and would take pride in the work they do within a cutting-edge scientific lab. What we provide: A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits. Successful projects in which the candidate participates may lead to authorship on scientific publications. One-on-one mentorship. A vibrant and inclusive cultural environment. What You'll Do: Will perform mouse intracranial surgical procedures and a variety of highly technical experiments that require sterile technique, care, and dexterity. Will manage adherence to institutional biosafety and animal care and use standards and keep compliance records/logs up to date. Prepare and present written or oral progress reports concerning studies, including assembly, organization, and interpretation of data. Train others in technical protocols. May assist scientists and technicians by performing variousinvestigative procedures and operatingscientific equipment. Potential for contributions to scientific publications. May order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies. Attending laboratory meetings and planning sessions. Read literature applicable to research areas as required. What you bring: Bachelor's degree in science required, or equivalent education and experience. At least one year of prior experience working in a hands-on research lab. Prior experience with mouse brain surgery. Prior experience with brain sectioning and histology. Ability to keep accurate records of work performed. Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise. Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction. Able to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques. Must possess strong computer skills. Knowledge of Windows and proficiency in Microsoft Excel desirable. Physical Requirements Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis. Please Note: This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Compensation and Benefits Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more. Compensation Range $17.72 (minimum) - $22.16 (midpoint) - $28.77 (maximum) Pay Type: Hourly HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.