Research Technician I - Pernas Lab

Primary Work Address: 405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1662

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

The laboratory of Dr. Lena Pernas at the University of California, Los Angeles is looking to bring a curious and motivated Research Technician I into her lab. Lena Pernas is challenging the conventional view of the role of mitochondria during infection. Her work has shown that mitochondria counteract invading pathogens, rather than being simply hijacked or damaged by them. Going forward, her team aims to uncover how organelles sense and respond to infections, and how metabolism and organellar function are rewired to defend against pathogens at different organizational and temporal scales. Her findings have the potential to reveal new aspects of organellar biology and broaden our understanding of the role of human metabolism in the progression of infectious disease. For more information about her cutting-edge research go to https://www.pernaslab.com/

Some of the exciting research you will be doing is generating vectors for CRISPR/Cas-9 and working with breeding mice. Duties will include supporting lab research and collecting and preparing data in support of laboratory operations.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• The opportunity to learn new scientific approaches expanding your knowledge and skills.

• Hands-on training and mentorship.

• Assistance in preparing for graduate school applications and interviews.

• A vibrant and inclusive cultural environment.

• Weekly meetings with the Investigator and lab members in a collaborative and highly team-oriented setting.

What you’ll do:

• Glass washing and autoclaving.

• Lb plates and cultures.

• Validate lab reagents including antibodies (i.e. via immunblot or immunofluorescence analysis) and cell lines.

• Manage adherence to institutional biosafety, as well as keep compliance records/logs up to date.

• Test cell lines every 2 weeks for Mycoplasma.

• Will maintain Toxoplasma cultures and mammalian cell cultures.

• Generation of vectors for CRISPR/Cas9-engineering of cells.

• Sequencing of lab plasmid stocks.

• Train others in technical protocols.

• Focus on mouse work and breeding.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Chemistry, or related area, or equivalent experience.

• At least one year of prior wet lab experience.

• Prior experience with mouse handling and breeding.

• Excellent troubleshooting and organizational abilities.

• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.

• Collaborative spirit and a willingness to dive in where help is needed within the lab.

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. 

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. 

Compensation Range

$18.52 (minimum) - $23.17 (midpoint) - $30.08 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Hourly

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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer