Research Technologist - Cousin Lab

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• Medical:
  Multiple plan options.
• Dental:
  Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
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  Affordable plan with national network.
• Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
• Retirement:
  Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

The Lab of Dr. Margot Cousin at Mayo Clinic is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Technologist to join our dynamic research team. Our lab focuses on developing novel gene‑targeted therapies for rare genetic diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other rare genetic conditions. We employ cutting‑edge cell‑based models to understand the mechanisms of these diseases and explore innovative therapeutic approaches, including antisense oligonucleotides and other gene‑targeted approaches and drug repurposing, with the goal of clinical translation.

In collaboration with clinicians and researchers in the Department of Neurology and the Center for Individualized Medicine, the lab aims to identify individuals with rare and genetic disorders, match patients with personalized therapies, and advance these therapies in the lab. Through the N‑of‑1 Therapeutics Program, we leverage computational tools to interpret genetic data and develop targeted treatments. Our lab is committed to fostering a collaborative, team‑oriented environment that supports professional growth.

Research technologists receive hands‑on training and mentorship from senior lab staff, with opportunities to expand technical skills, strengthen experimental troubleshooting capabilities, and gain exposure to translational research workflows and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Research Technologist will support ongoing research projects by performing laboratory experiments, maintaining accurate documentation, and contributing to data collection, analysis, manuscript preparation, and organization. This position works closely with lab members and collaborating teams, and performs duties with direction from the Principal Investigator and more senior laboratory staff.

Laboratory Support & Experiment Execution:

• Perform experiments following established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support cell/tissue culture and routine molecular biology workflows (e.g., DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, basic cloning support, Western blots).
• Prepare reagents and buffers, maintain lab stocks, and support day‑to‑day laboratory operations to keep research activities running smoothly.

Data Collection, Documentation & Quality

• Maintain clear, timely records of experimental procedures and results in lab notebooks and/or electronic systems.
• Organize, summarize, and prepare datasets and figures for lab meetings, project updates, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Communicate unexpected findings promptly and support troubleshooting efforts by repeating experiments, checking controls, and validating reagents when needed.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Coordinate work with lab members to meet project timelines and support shared lab goals.
• Participate in lab meetings and communicate progress to supervisors and project leads.
• Assist with onboarding/training of students or temporary staff on basic lab practices.

Computational & Translational Project Support (as appropriate for experience)

• Assist with data organization, tracking, and analyses (e.g., spreadsheets, simple summaries, figure preparation).
• Support collaborative projects involving genetic data interpretation workflows and help organize project materials and documentation.
• Learn new tools and workflows as needed, with training and support.

Requires…