Research Technician II - Jin Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,560,000 - 81,967,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous research funding

Career growth

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

HHMI's lab at Scripps Research in La Jolla, CA seeks a Research Technician II to support studies using genomic tools to investigate brain development. The role includes mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, cell culture, and single‑cell sequencing workflows.

You will perform experiments, maintain accurate records, troubleshoot protocols, and help generate high‑quality data for ongoing projects, with a pathway to a stable, longer‑term career in a collaborative, cutting‑edge environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences required; Master’s welcomed.
• 2-4 years lab experience in academic setting preferred.
• Experience with mouse handling or related animal research is a plus.
• Strong record-keeping and data analysis skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform mouse-related lab work: handling, colony tracking, genotyping, tissue collection, and molecular analysis.
• Assist with CRISPR-based perturbation experiments, including reagent prep and sample collection.
• Carry out core molecular biology techniques: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning.
• Support single-cell genomics workflows: nuclei/cell prep, QC, library prep, sequencing submissions.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures with sterile technique and monitor cell health.

Skills

Mouse handling

Genotyping

Molecular biology

Single-cell sequencing

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Master’s degree welcome

Tools

PCR

Job description

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

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discoveryand 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’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

Research Technician II

to join Dr. Xin Jin’s lab at Scripps Research in LaJolla, 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 thesequestions, they combine in vivo CRISPR screening with single-cellmulti-omics, spatial genomics, and chemical biology tools. Theirwork is deeply collaborative, both within the lab and acrossdisciplines, and bridges cutting-edge neurotechnology withfundamental questions in brain development. This integration oftool-building and mechanistic insight positions them to uncover howdiverse 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/

About the Research Technician II role

As the Research Technician II, you will support studies usinggenomic tools to investigate tissue development and homeostasis. This position will involve mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, cell culture, and single-cell sequencing-relatedworkflows. The successful candidate will work both independentlyand collaboratively to perform experiments, maintain accuraterecords, troubleshoot protocols, and help generate high-qualitydata for ongoing research projects. This is an ideal opportunityfor someone who is passionate about the lab’s work and looking fora 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 professionaldevelopment.
• Opportunities to be mentored by Dr. Jin and/or senior membersof the team.
• Opportunities for authorship/co-authorship on researchpublications.
• 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, tissuedissection/collection, and molecular analysis, in support ofstudies on brain development and neurodevelopmental diseasemechanisms.
• Assist with CRISPR-based perturbation experiments, includingreagent preparation, viral/vector-related workflows, samplecollection, and genomic analysis.
• Carry out core molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNAextraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, andpreparation of sequencing-related materials.
• Support single-cell genomics workflows, including nuclei/cellpreparation, quality control, library preparation support, andsample submission for sequencing.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique,including passaging, transfection/transduction support, andmonitoring of cell health.
• Prepare, organize, and validate experimental reagents, such asplasmids, oligos, guide RNA libraries, buffers, and cell culturemedia.
• Record experimental procedures, sample information, and resultsaccurately in laboratory notebooks and shared databases.
• Analyze and summarize experimental results, includinggenotyping outcomes, QC metrics, and molecular assay data, andtroubleshoot routine issues related to sample quality, molecularassays, sequencing preparation, or cell culture conditions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and reagentinventories, and coordinate with lab members on experimentaltimelines, animal use, sequencing submissions, and sample trackingto ensure efficient day-to-day lab operations.
• Adhere to institutional biosafety, animal research, andlaboratory compliance policies, including required documentationand 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 willbe considered.
• A minimum of 2-4 years of relevant research experience in anacademic laboratory environment is required.
• Prior experience with mouse handling, mouse colony management,tissue collection, genotyping, or related animal researchprocedures.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such asDNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, orpreparation of sequencing-related samples.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, cellpassaging, transfection, viral transduction, or cell-basedassays.
• Familiarity with genomics or single-cell sequencing workflowswould be a plus.
• Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols, maintainorganized records, and accurately track samples and reagents.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, troubleshoot routineexperimental issues, and adapt standard procedures whenneeded.
• Willingness to work with mouse models and comply withinstitutional animal research, biosafety, and laboratory safetyrequirements.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonalskills, 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 extendedperiods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) orarm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for exampleusing a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word;ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to moveabout workspace. The position requires mobility, including theability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as alaptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure tomalodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxicchemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances orother hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essentialduties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests forreasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individualbasis.

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

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective inmany ways for their contributions to our mission, includingcompetitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans,time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visitour Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Hiring Pay Range

$22.88 - $28.61

Pay Type: Hourly

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of theanticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time ofposting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’squalifications, experience, and internal equity.

HHMI is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

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