HS Research Tech 2

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition remission

Job summary

University of New Mexico in Albuquerque seeks a Health Sciences Research Tech 2 to support neurobiological studies on drug and alcohol use. You will assist with data preparation, sample handling, and basic analyses inside a health sciences lab, under supervision.

The role involves setting up animal studies, stereotaxic surgeries, and tissue processing for microscopy and sequencing. Requires lab experience; a degree is preferred and on-site work at HSC.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 3+ years related lab experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Life Sciences, Neuroscience or related field preferred with 1+ year related experience.

Responsibilities

• Set up and perform drug self-administration studies in rats.
• Perform stereotaxic survival surgery to implant fiber optics and infuse viruses.
• Conduct behavioral testing in rats with fiber photometry.
• Prepare brain tissue for microscopy or RNA sequencing.
• Perform histology, immunofluorescence, and data analyses for publications.

Skills

Data analysis

Laboratory work

Data recording

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree (Biology/Life Sciences/Neuroscience)

Tools

Stereotaxic equipment

Fiber optics setup

qPCR / Western blotting

Job description

Overview

The Department of Neurosciences seeks a Health Sciences Research Tech 2 in a neurosciences research lab focused on the neurobiological mechanisms of drug and alcohol use/exposure. The position supports standard research protocols in a health sciences laboratory setting, including data preparation, sample handling, and basic data analyses. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with funding through 3/31/2027, subject to the Department's needs.

Location: Health Sciences Center (HSC) – Albuquerque, NM. Department: Neurosciences (993A). Employment Type: Staff. Term Type: Term - Full-Time. Pay: Hourly, DOE/DOQ. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and educational benefits (tuition remission and dependent education programs).

Position Summary: The HS Research Tech 2 performs standard research protocols under detailed and controlled parameters in a laboratory setting. Verifies and records data, prepares data and samples, and operates standard laboratory equipment. This role supports data analyses, summaries, and interpretations related to the project.

Note: See the Position Description for additional information.

Responsibilities and duties

• Setting up and performing drug self-administration studies in rats.
• Performing stereotaxic survival surgery in rats to implant fiber optics and infuse viruses.
• Conducting behavioral testing in rats while recording fiber photometry.
• Collecting and preparing brain tissue for microscopy or RNA sequencing.
• Performing histological sectioning and immunofluorescence histochemistry on rat brain tissue.
• Conducting immunoprecipitation of tagged proteins, qPCR, and Western blotting.
• Compiling and analyzing data for publication and research presentations using the stated methodologies.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of directly related experience.
• Completed degree(s) above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology or related field with at least 1 year of directly related experience.
• Experience in necropsies on laboratory animals (mice and/or rats) is highly preferable.
• Experience with stereotaxic surgeries in rodents.
• Biomedical laboratory research experience, including tissue staining, RNA/DNA extraction and processing, PCR, electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral experiments.
• Ability to handle very small components and organize large datasets.
• Experience monitoring laboratory equipment, inventory management, and purchasing.
• Experience preparing research presentations or publications (posters, abstracts).

Additional Requirements

• Valid NM driver’s license and UNM driver’s permit if driving is required for the position.
• Post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check may be required.
• Annual TB testing may be required for work in patient care areas.

Additional Job Details

• Campus: Health Sciences Center (HSC) – Albuquerque, NM
• Department: Neurosciences (993A)
• Status: Non-Exempt; Staff
• Staff Type: Term – Full-Time
• End Date: 03/31/2027
• Eligible for Remote Work: No
• Background Check Required: Yes

Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. Provide a resume/UNMJobs application and a cover letter detailing interest and suitability for the position.

Veteran Preference Program eligibility: Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for details.

The University of New Mexico is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. A pre-employment background check is required.