Research Technician – Scanziani Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health benefits

Education assistance

Diverse work environment

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) position in UCSF Scanziani lab seeks a proactive Research Technician to support mouse genetics, histology, and imaging efforts. The role emphasizes independent work within a collaborative lab environment, providing hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques and animal husbandry.

The candidate will genotype, breed, and maintain the mouse colony, assist with histology and IF staining, and contribute to multiple concurrent projects while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required.
• Hands-on academic lab experience with PCR, genotyping, and molecular biology techniques preferred.
• Undergraduate lab experience acceptable; prior mouse handling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform cage health checks and manage mouse colony health.
• Establish breeding pairs to meet experimental needs.
• Read and follow protocols; assist with amendments and renewals.
• Perform PCR reactions and prepare slides for staining.
• Prepare vibratome/cryostat sections and antibody staining.

Skills

Genotyping

Mouse handling

Breeding

PCR

Histology

Immunofluorescence

Protocols adherence

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or closely related discipline

Tools

Cryostat

Vibratome

Immunofluorescence

Job description

Primary Work Address: 1550 4th Street, Suite 190, San Francisco, CA, 94158-0724

We are currently looking for a proactive, detail-oriented Research Technician to work in the lab of Dr. Massimo Scanziani at the University of California, San Francisco.

The Scanziani lab works to understand the mechanisms by which elementary circuits of neurons control the spatial and temporal structure of cortical activity.

Towards this goal, they use in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological, imaging, and anatomical techniques as well as behavioral approaches.

Their model system is the rodent’s sensory cortex.

Their work is revealing the logic and the mechanisms by which elementary circuits, the building blocks of cortical architecture, orchestrate cortical activity.

More information about the Scanziani lab can be found by visiting https://scanzianilab.ucsf.edu/

About the Role

The ideal candidate is a professional, collegial individual who will enjoy working with mice, can work well independently and as part of a larger team, and is looking to grow professionally while supporting multiple projects in a medium-sized collaborative academic laboratory.

The chosen candidate will be responsible for genotyping, handling, and breeding necessary to maintain the Scanziani lab’s colony of mice, histology and IF staining’s and provide them for various experiments in the lab.

This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who would like to gain a couple more years of academic research experience before applying to graduate school.

What we provide:

• A lab culture that values initiative, technical rigor, careful record keeping, collaboration, and responsible use of modern tools.
• A highly interdisciplinary research environment at UCSF.
• Opportunity to work in a diverse and encouraging work environment.
• This position will provide valuable hands‑on research experience, helping you develop a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted while preparing you for future graduate studies or building your career.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits including an employee education assistance program.

What you’ll do:

• Perform regular checks of every cage in the mouse colony to monitor health and presence of new litters.
• Address any necessary health issues with the colony and take appropriate action in a timely manner.
• Establish new breeding pairs of mice to fulfill experimental needs of the laboratory.
• Read and adhere to all relevant protocols, assist with drafting animal protocol amendments and renewals, and ensure mouse health and safety by adhering to all regulatory bodies’ standards for mouse maintenance.
• Perform PCR reactions.
• Prepare slides (vibratome and cryostat) and antibody staining’s

What you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related discipline is required.
• Previous hands‑on academic laboratory experience along with a solid understanding of molecular biology techniques (PCR, genotyping, etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Significant laboratory experience obtained during undergraduate studies is acceptable and will be considered.
• Previous experience with handling mice would be a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to work well with staff at all levels.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage time across shifting demands.
• Self‑motivated and proactive, with a creative approach to problem solving.
• Proficient with PC or Mac and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Eager to learn new techniques and skills.
• Comfortable handling and working with live mice on a regular basis.
• Prior experience with immunofluorescent staining a plus.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); 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.

#LI-LL1 Compensation and Benefits

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.

Hiring Pay Range $20.08 - $25.14 Pay Type: Hourly 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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is an independent, ever-evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and educators with the potential for transformative impact. We make long-term investments in people, not just projects, because we believe in the power of individuals to make breakthroughs over time.

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.

Contact us at [e-mail] if you require an accommodation related to completing the job application. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Applicants have rights under federal employment laws. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please review these posters: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Know Your Rights, and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).