Research Technician II

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic lab team

Stable research funding

Scripps research community

Career growth opportunities

Mentorship by Dr. Jin

Authorship opportunities

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in La Jolla, CA seeks a Research Technician II to support brain development studies in Dr. Xin Jin's lab at Scripps Research. You will work with mouse models, genomic tools, and single-cell sequencing to generate high-quality data for ongoing projects.

The role emphasizes independent and collaborative work, meticulous record-keeping, protocol troubleshooting, and adherence to biosafety and animal care standards. This is a stable, long-term opportunity.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in the life sciences is required.
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Responsibilities

• Perform mouse-related laboratory work including husbandry coordination and genotyping to support brain development studies.
• Assist with CRISPR-based perturbation experiments and genomic analyses.
• Carry out DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and sequencing-related prep.
• Support single-cell genomics workflows including nuclei preparation and library preparation.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures with sterile technique and monitor cell health.
• Prepare reagents like plasmids and guide RNA libraries for experiments.
• Record procedures and results meticulously in lab notebooks and databases.
• Analyze data and troubleshoot issues related to samples, molecular assays, and sequencing prep.
• Coordinate with team on timelines, sample tracking, and sequencing submissions.
• Adhere to biosafety and animal research policies and training requirements.

Skills

Mouse handling

Genomics

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Single-cell sequencing

Record keeping

Collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Master’s degree welcomed

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Gel electrophoresis

Cloning

CRISPR workflows

Sequencing prep

Job description

Primary Work Address: 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037

About the Research Technician II role

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we are unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Research Technician II to join Dr. Xin Jin's lab at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California. The Jin lab is investigating how physiology and genetics impact brain function to understand how these distinct influences converge in the developing brain. To tackle these questions, they combine in vivo CRISPR screening with single-cell multi-omics, spatial genomics, and chemical biology tools. Their work is deeply collaborative, both within the lab and across disciplines, and bridges cutting-edge neurotechnology with fundamental questions in brain development. This integration of tool-building and mechanistic insight positions them to uncover how diverse inputs shape the brain's trajectory in health and disease.

More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://www.jin.scripps.edu/

As the Research Technician II, you will support studies using genomic tools to investigate tissue development and homeostasis. This position will involve mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, cell culture, and single-cell sequencing-related workflows. The successful candidate will work both independently and collaboratively to perform experiments, maintain accurate records, troubleshoot protocols, and help generate high-quality data for ongoing research projects. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is passionate about the lab’s work and looking for a stable, longer-term (ideally 3+ years) career experience.

What we provide

• An energetic, dynamic, and fun lab team that values innovation, inclusion, scientific rigor, and collaboration.
• Generous and stable research funding from HHMI.
• Joining the vibrant Scripps research community.
• Career growth, skill building, and professional development.
• Opportunities to be mentored by Dr. Jin and/or senior members of the team.
• Opportunities for authorship/co-authorship on research publications.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

What you'll do

• Perform mouse-related laboratory work, including handling, husbandry coordination, colony tracking, genotyping, tissue dissection/collection, and molecular analysis, in support of studies on brain development and neurodevelopmental disease mechanisms.
• Assist with CRISPR-based perturbation experiments, including reagent preparation, viral/vector-related workflows, sample collection, and genomic analysis.
• Carry out core molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and preparation of sequencing-related materials.
• Support single-cell genomics workflows, including nuclei/cell preparation, quality control, library preparation support, and sample submission for sequencing.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique, including passaging, transfection/transduction support, and monitoring of cell health.
• Prepare, organize, and validate experimental reagents, such as plasmids, oligos, guide RNA libraries, buffers, and cell culture media.
• Record experimental procedures, sample information, and results accurately in laboratory notebooks and shared databases.
• Analyze and summarize experimental results, including genotyping outcomes, QC metrics, and molecular assay data, and troubleshoot routine issues related to sample quality, molecular assays, sequencing preparation, or cell culture conditions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and reagent inventories, and coordinate with lab members on experimental timelines, animal use, sequencing submissions, and sample tracking to ensure efficient day-to-day lab operations.
• Adhere to institutional biosafety, animal research, and laboratory compliance policies, including required documentation and training.

What you bring

• A bachelor's degree in the life sciences is required.
• Candidates with master's degrees are also welcome to apply and will be considered.
• A minimum of 2-4 years of relevant research experience in an academic laboratory environment is required.
• Prior experience with mouse handling, mouse colony management, tissue collection, genotyping, or related animal research procedures.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, or preparation of sequencing-related samples.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, cell passaging, transfection, viral transduction, or cell-based assays.
• Familiarity with genomics or single-cell sequencing workflows would be a plus.
• Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols, maintain organized records, and accurately track samples and reagents.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, troubleshoot routine experimental issues, and adapt standard procedures when needed.
• Willingness to work with mouse models and comply with institutional animal research, biosafety, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to contribute to fostering and maintaining a positive, thriving lab culture.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hands or arms; 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

• Hiring Pay Range $22.88 - $28.61
• Pay Type: Hourly
• 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 Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
• The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Equal Opportunity

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Why HHMI

To move science forward we need a diverse collection of talents, expertise, and backgrounds in scientific research and science education, as well as communications, finance, human resources, information technology, investments, law, and operations. At HHMI, we encourage collaborative and results-driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment where employees can do their best work. What makes us strong is the diversity of our perspectives. We work to promote a culture of inclusion in our work environments and across the greater scientific community. To find more information about us and the steps we're taking to make HHMI a more inclusive organization, visit our About Us page.