Research Technician II

La Jolla Institute for Immunology; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Paid sick leave

Job summary

La Jolla Institute for Immunology is seeking a full-time Laboratory Research Technician to support diverse human immunology projects under senior scientists. The role involves processing samples, performing immunology techniques, and contributing to day-to-day operations of the Crotty Lab.

You will learn the scientific rationale behind techniques, interpret results, troubleshoot experiments, and participate in project discussions.

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. 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.
• May involve studies of mouse or non-human primate immunology depending on project needs.
• Perform a broad range of immunological and cell biology techniques while contributing to day-to-day lab operations.
• Process samples, set up experiments, analyze data, and prepare reagents and buffers.
• Document results, maintain lab organization, and prepare updates for lab meetings.

Skills

Biological science knowledge

Laboratory techniques

Record-keeping

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

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

Tools

Basic laboratory equipment

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

The La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) offers a collegial work environment that emphasizes collaboration, teamwork and creativity. Full-time employment at LJI includes a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision benefits, paid sick leave, and contributions to a retirement plan (403B). For the last decade, LJI has been ranked as one of the best places to work in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal. The Institute hosts world-renowned faculty and over 80 postdoctoral researchers with scientists from over 30 countries. LJI is located in the Science Research Park on the campus of UC San Diego, providing easy access to the San Diego life sciences community and all that the area has to offer.

LJI provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability status, genetics, medical conditions, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, reproductive health decisions, or pregnancy, or any other condition protected by state and local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placing, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absences, and social and recreational programs.

La Jolla Institute is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We validate this commitment by conducting regular market analyses to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, independent research sector. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, unique skill sets, organizational need, and internal equity.