Research Technician II

La-Jolla-Institute-For-Immunology; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The La Jolla Institute for Immunology in San Diego is seeking a full-time Laboratory Research Technician in the Crotty Lab to support human immunology studies.

Under supervision of senior scientists, you will process samples, run basic assays, record data, and help maintain lab operations. Candidates should have a BS in a biological science and be detail‑oriented with strong communication and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a biological science, chemistry, or biochemistry, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment.
• Accurate record-keeping and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary for teamwork.
• High attention to detail and critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Support research projects focused on human immunology using samples from human study participants.
• Perform immunological and cell biology techniques and contribute to day-to-day lab operations.
• Process samples, set up experiments, analyze data, and prepare updates for lab meetings.
• Learn the rationale behind techniques and interpret results to contribute to research questions.

Skills

Basic lab skills

Record-keeping

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

B.A./B.S. in biological sciences

Tools

ELISAs

Flow cytometry

PCR

Cell culture

Job description

We are seeking a full-time Laboratory Research Technician in Professor Shane Crotty's laboratory at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI). The Crotty Lab is working on a variety of high-impact scientific projects in immune responses to infection and vaccines. We are looking for someone with a drive for discovery and for paving the way to improve our understanding of how the human body can prevent or fight infection by developing robust immunity. The ideal candidate would be an integral part of a strong team of scientists and work in a positive environment that provides mentorship, fosters talent, and encourages growth and learning. LJI is a world-renowned institute that provides fantastic benefits and excellent support for its researchers.

• Examples of Crotty lab research: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07748-8, DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adz8439, DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.186078

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Professor, PhD-level scientists, and Lab Manager, the Research Technician will primarily support research projects focused on human immunology using samples collected from human study participants. Depending on project needs, the position may also involve studies of mouse or non-human primate immunology. The Research Technician will perform a broad range of immunological and cell biology techniques while contributing to the day-to-day operations of the lab. A typical day may include processing samples and setting up experiments, analyzing data, preparing shared reagents and buffers, documenting experimental results, maintaining lab organization, and preparing data or project updates for discussion at lab meetings. Research Technicians are encouraged to understand the scientific rationale behind the techniques they perform, interpret their results, troubleshoot experiments, and actively participate in discussions about their projects. You will learn not only how to perform each technique, but also why it is being performed and how the resulting data contribute to answering important questions in human immunology.

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. or higher in a biological science, chemistry, or biochemistry, or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Experience using basic laboratory equipment
• Accurate record-keeping and organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary for teamwork
• High attention to detail and critical thinking skills

Preferred qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience in cell biology, immunology, or molecular biology
• Demonstrated proficiency in blood processing, cell culture, ELISAs, flow cytometry, PCR, or other immunological/molecular techniques

Special Conditions

• Must be willing to work with recombinant DNA and biohazardous materials
• Must be willing to work with human blood