Research Technician - Fungal Biologist - Reck-Peterson Lab

Primary Work Address: Leichtag Biomedical Research Building, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0646

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The Reck-Peterson laboratory at the University of California, San Diego is seeking a Research Technician II or III to join our group. Dr. Reck-Peterson’s laboratory studies the mechanisms of intracellular transport. The Reck-Peterson lab strives to understand how this system works at molecular, cellular, and organismal scales. At a disease level they are interested in determining why defects in intracellular transport cause neurodegenerative diseases. They use a combination of approaches including protein biochemistry and in vitro reconstitution, single-molecule biophysics, proteomics and genomics, fungal genetics, evolutionary analysis, mammalian cell culture, and state-of-the-art live-cell imaging. Through collaborations they have access to cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to pursue structural studies of the transport machinery. More information on the lab can be found on our website: https://reck-peterson.ucsd.edu/

This role will be responsible for contributing to the Reck-Peterson lab’s research program on filamentous fungal biology and secondary metabolite production. The Reck-Peterson lab discovered that peroxisomes in filamentous fungi move by “hitchhiking” on early endosomes. Through a genetic screen they discovered a putative protein linker between the two organelles. Current efforts are aimed at understanding the mechanism and function of organelle hitchhiking. 

This individual will support the fungal biologists in the lab and engage in an independent research project. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent college graduate who would like to gain more hands-on research experience in an academic laboratory environment before attending graduate school. The Reck-Peterson lab has a strong culture of collaborative team-based science. We are seeking applicants who value this research atmosphere.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package

• Opportunity to work in a small, diverse, and encouraging research environment.

• A flexible schedule

• Well-rounded training on techniques and soft skills

• One on one mentorship, and support/training for the next stage of your career

What you’ll do:

Research support:  50%

• Support the collaborative research environment by assisting researchers in the lab who focus on filamentous fungal biology. This will include media preparation, making new fungal strains, and performing standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, genomic DNA isolation).

Independent research: 30%

• This role will include developing an independent research project with the guidance of a senior lab member.

Lab Operations:   20%

• Assist staff scientists in the lab with lab management. This will include lab safety, ordering, and general lab maintenance.

What you bring:

• BA or BS in the biological, biomedical or biochemical sciences.

• A minimum of 2 years of hands-on research experience in a laboratory setting, excluding undergraduate coursework.

• Ability to work both independently and in a team.

• Strong verbal and oral communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal interaction skills and organization.

• Excellent record keeping/ lab notebook management.

• Fungal biology: cell culture, genetic engineering, genetics.

• Molecular biology methods: cloning, PCR, genomic DNA isolation.

• Familiarity with a coding language (Python or others).

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).

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.

Compensation Range

Res Tech 2: $44,880.00 (minimum) - $56,100.00 (midpoint) - $72,930.00 (max)

Res Tech 3: $52.140 (minimum)-$65,200 (midpoint)- $84,700 (maximum)

Pay Type: Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

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. 

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer