Student Research Tech I

CommonSpirit Health; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (SJHMC) in Phoenix, AZ, is seeking a Student Research Technician for the Tjalkens Laboratory at Barrow Neurological Institute to support studies on environmental factors in Parkinson’s disease.

The role involves learning high-content fluorescence microscopy and image analysis, maintaining records, and collaborating with scientists while developing skills in neuronal and glial cell culture.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Preferred ongoing undergraduate studies in neuroscience, biology, biomedicine, or related field.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in generation, maintenance, and genetic characterization of preclinical models.
• Maintain accurate records and document data in lab databases.
• Collaborate with scientists, postdocs, graduate students, and other staff.
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment and reagents following safety protocols.
• Develop proficiency in culture and maintenance of neurons and glial cells.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

High School Diploma

Undergraduate student in neuroscience or related field

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

The Tjalkens Laboratory at Barrow Neurological Institute is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Student Research Technician to support multidisciplinary research investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the environmental etiology of Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. This position will be responsible for supporting efforts in studies investigating how environmental toxicant exposure contributes to glial-mediated inflammation and neurodegeneration.

The successful candidate will also gain experience observing high-content fluorescence microscopy and deep learning-based image analysis pipelines for the characterization of cellular phenotypes in experimental models of these diseases.

The position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of molecular neuroscience neurotoxicology and neuroimmunology with additional opportunities to develop expertise in the culture and maintenance of primary human and preclinical glial cells and neurons.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the generation maintenance and genetic characterization of experimental preclinical models for laboratory studies.
• Maintain accurate experimental records adhere to established protocols and document all information in appropriate laboratory databases.
• Work collaboratively with research scientists postdoctoral fellows graduate students and other laboratory personnel.
• Perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment reagents and supplies and ensure compliance with institutional safety and research procedures.
• Develop proficiency with laboratory techniques for the culture and maintenance of primary human and preclinical neurons and glial cells as appropriate to ongoing projects.

The Tjalkens Laboratory uses complementary in vivo and in vitro models high content microscopy and advanced approaches in image analysis to investigate the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity. This position offers the opportunity to develop a broad technical skillset spanning experimental neuroscience and quantitative biology while contributing directly to research aimed at understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease.

Job Requirements

Required

• High School Diploma Graduate or High School GED

Preferred

• Current enrollment in Undergraduate Program -in progress of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience biology biomedical sciences biochemistry engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated interest in neuroscience neurodegeneration neurotoxicology and related biomedical research.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively within a collaborative research team.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory and computational techniques.
• Strong organizational communication and problem-solving skills.

Where You’ll Work

Hello Humankindness: Join a Legacy of Healing at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (SJHMC)

Ready to make a real difference? Join SJHMC in Phoenix AZ., a 571-bed nonprofit founded by the Sisters of Mercy over 125 years ago. We're more than a hospital; we're a global destination for life-changing care, embracing patients with humankindness.

Here, your calling will flourish. We're not just a workplace; we're a community dedicated to a mission of service.

Leaders in Specialized Care:

• Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI): A world-renowned center for groundbreaking neurological research and innovative treatments.
• Norton Thoracic Institute (NTI): A national leader in advanced thoracic care with pioneering surgical techniques.
• Level I Trauma Center: One of Arizona's busiest ERs, providing immediate, comprehensive care for critically injured patients 24/7.

Why SJHMC?

• Culture of Excellence & Well-being: We care for our people, fostering professional and personal growth.
• Community & Collaboration: Be part of a network committed to global health and well-being.
• Join a Legacy, Shape a Future: Over 20% of our patients travel internationally for our specialized care.

This is an invitation to join a family of dedicated professionals at the forefront of medical innovation, united by the power of humankindness.