Research Technician

Position Title

Research Technician

The Research Technician is part of a research team that explores the neuroinflammatory process during various neurological disorders such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

This position is 100% grant-funded, and continued employment is subject to the availability of funds.

• Performs biochemical and molecular techniques including but not limited to:
  • Isolating primary monocyte-derived macrophages from human samples.
  • Maintaining rat colony and isolating rat cortical neurons.
  • Conducting and maintaining biosafety level-2 tissue cultures.
  • Performing various assays based on electrophoresis (including western blot), immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and other molecular and biochemical procedures.
  • Preparing DNA and RNA extracts to perform qPCR, and genotyping.
• Manages day-to-day laboratory activities including organizing and cleaning lab and supplies, maintaining incubators and carbon dioxide machines, monthly checks of eye wash and other biohazard equipment, and ordering materials and supplies for the lab.
• Conducts and troubleshoots experiments and equipment.
• Develops and records new protocols and practices for the lab.
• Collects, organizes and analyzes data.
• Prepares weekly progress report and meets with the Principal Investigator on a weekly basis to discuss progress and results.
• Presents scientific findings through oral and written communications.
• Maintains databases of activities for reporting, publishing, and tracking purposes.
• Mentors undergraduate research students.
• Attends weekly meetings with the principal investigator and other lab members.
• Attends seminars related to the lab’s research at Spelman College and other surrounding Atlanta Universities.
• Collaborates with lab partners at the College and other universities.

Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Health Science, or a related field is required.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing experimentation in a biosafety level-2 laboratory investigating the cellular interactions of stress and HIV-induced neuroinflammation in the aging population. The candidate must be able to perform basic laboratory skills such as pipetting, accurately weighing reagents, and calculating basic lab math. The candidate must be knowledgeable of common biosafety level-2 lab safety practices and practice safe laboratory protocols mandated by environmental health and safety.

Proficiency with laboratory processes and procedures including tissue culture, Western blots, Flow Cytometry, PCR, RNA, and animal handling is preferred.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have intermediate skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Duties may include producing correspondence, memos, and e‑mails, creating spreadsheets, and utilizing institutional‑specific software for lab management. Proficiency in utilizing Pub Med and performing internet searches is essential. The candidate must be organized and present good oral and written communication skills. The ability to document experimental protocols and results is required.

The incumbent must have the ability to read, analyze and interpret peer‑reviewed scientific manuscripts, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.

The incumbent will work to meet the production goals and requirements of the lab and will also seek to improve existing processes and/or innovate new approaches. The incumbent will be expected to work largely independently on a daily basis, after training, but will regularly coordinate closely with the principal investigator and be involved in the mentoring of undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds.

At least one (1) year of research experience in a laboratory environment with a familiarity of laboratory processes and procedures is highly preferred.

N/A

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: talk, sit, walk, stand and use hands to efficiently handle office supplies and lab equipment, operate computer and other office equipment. The incumbent will be frequently required to: reach with hands and arms above height. Employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop or kneel. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include an ability to adjust focus.

Days

1% - 25%

Full‑time

Non‑Exempt

1

SC0824P

08/28/2025

No

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Spelman College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a smoke‑free campus.