Research Technician

Research Technician

The Research Technician will provide essential technical and operational support for a neuroscience research laboratory investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate oligodendrocyte development, myelination, and neuron–glia interactions in health and disease.

Under the Supervisor's close guidance, the technician will perform a wide range of experimental procedures, including immunohistochemistry, microscopy, cell culture experiments, and animal colony maintenance.

Under the Supervisor's close guidance, the technician will collect and analyze data, and help ensure the successful execution of funded research projects. The technician will also prepare data figures and support training of students.

Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables, and place orders with vendors to replenish these as needed.

Under the Supervisor's close guidance, the technician will conduct and document routine digital safety audits using the designated institutional portal. The technician will address and resolve small-scale safety violations to maintain compliance within the research space. Draft comprehensive standard operating procedures to facilitate the instruction of students, ensuring all laboratory tasks are performed with a high degree of caution and consistency.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining research continuity, training student researchers, ensuring compliance with animal care regulations, and generating high-quality, reproducible data that advances the laboratory's scientific mission. Ensures that undergraduate student researchers maintain a safe laboratory environment and adhere to standard laboratory procedures.

Prepares and submits reports as requested and required. Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred. This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within an inclusive multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to a respectful workplace.

The technician will have a background in developmental and neurobiology, as well as a working knowledge of basic wet lab techniques.

The technician will have experience with the following techniques: safe handling of hazardous chemicals, animal handling, PCR, gel electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, image analysis, and primary cell culture.

The technician is highly organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and enthusiastic about contributing to a dynamic, team-based research environment. Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations, work independently, work cooperatively as part of a research team, including regular progress reports to the supervisor and other members of the laboratory, and keep detailed records of work in laboratory notebook.

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in neuroscience, biology, or biochemistry.

0-2 years of experience in a research lab (paid or unpaid) required.

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Considerable time is spent doing hands-on work at a laboratory bench or fume hood.
• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
• May be required to attend conferences and/or training sessions within the Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.

• Biology laboratory environment, including handling hazardous chemicals.
• Indoor laboratory environment with windows.
• Office and laboratory with equipment noise.
• Office and laboratory with frequent interruptions.