Research Senior Technician- Plastic Surgery

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off, 11 holidays

State retirement plan

Job summary

The Titan Lab in the Ohio State University’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery group is seeking a Research Senior Technician to support tendon and peripheral nerve injury research. You will conduct histology, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, RNA extraction, PCR, Western blotting, and cell culture, including mouse handling and biomechanical testing.

You’ll manage tissue collection, data analysis, and contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals while training students.

Qualifications

• Hands‑on biomedical laboratory experience required.
• Experience with mouse models and molecular biology techniques preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage research projects.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform experiments and optimize protocols.
• Process tissues, conduct histology, and run molecular assays.
• Manage mouse colony and conduct animal procedures.
• Maintain records, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts.

Skills

Biomedical laboratory experience

Histology

Immunohistochemistry

Immunofluorescence

Confocal microscopy

RNA extraction

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Cell culture

Biomechanical testing

Mouse handling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

High School Diploma with experience

Tools

Confocal microscope

RNA extraction kit

PCR machines

Western blot apparatus

Cell culture incubator

Job description

Job Title: Research Senior Technician- Plastic Surgery Department: Medicine | Plastic Surgery

The Research Senior Technician will support scientific investigations in The Titan Lab within the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The Ohio State University, focusing on tendon and peripheral nerve injury, tissue healing, and regeneration using molecular, cellular, biomechanical, and in vivo models. The role involves independently conducting experiments, optimizing and troubleshooting protocols, and performing laboratory techniques including histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, cell culture, and biomechanical testing. Responsibilities also include tissue collection and processing, animal handling, mouse colony management, and assisting with experimental procedures involving laboratory animals. The individual will maintain accurate experimental records, analyze and interpret research data, evaluate experimental reproducibility, and contribute to manuscripts, abstracts, posters, presentations, and grant proposals. Additional duties include reviewing scientific literature, maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory, ordering supplies, and assisting with training undergraduate and graduate students.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on biomedical laboratory experience, preferably including mouse models and molecular biology techniques, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, problem‑solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently and take ownership of research projects. Familiarity with MATLAB and/or RNA sequencing data analysis would be an additional asset but is not required.

Minimum Education & Experience Required 0 years’ experience with Bachelor's Degree, 2 years’ experience with Associate's Degree, or 4 years’ experience with High School Diploma. Requires successful completion of a background check; qualified candidates may be asked to complete a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen.

As The Titan Lab continues to grow, this position offers opportunities for professional development, increasing research independence, and long‑term involvement in the lab's scientific program. We are particularly interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to the development and growth of a new research laboratory.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a CV and cover letter highlighting their relevant research experience, technical skills, and interest in joining The Titan Lab.

Additional Information: Location: Pelotonia Research Center (1040); Position Type: Term (Fixed Term); Scheduled Hours: 40; Shift: First Shift. Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

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Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit.

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We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.