Research Technician - Joshua-Tor Lab

Primary Work Address: 1 Bungtown Road James Building, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We are seeking a Research Technician to support the lab of Dr. Leemor Joshua-Tor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The lab studies the molecular basis of nucleic acid regulatory processes, RNAi and DNA replication in particular. They use the tools of structural biology, biochemistry and biophysics to study proteins and protein complexes associated with these processes to elucidate how they work, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM), X-ray crystallography, and other structural techniques enable them to obtain the three-dimensional structures of these molecular machines. More information can be found on the lab website: https://joshua-torlab.labsites.cshl.edu/

About the Research Technician roles:
As a Research Technician, your day-to-day duties will focus on supporting all projects within the lab. These projects involve cloning and expression of protein and protein complexes for structural and biochemical studies. The ideal candidate is a motivated, well-organized, responsible professional who is passionate about the lab’s research and can commit to staying for at least 2 years.

The Joshua-Tor lab welcomes both entry-level (Research Technician I) and more experienced (Research Technician II) applicants for this role.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits

• Exposure to outstanding science and sharpening your skills

• Hands-on training and mentorship

• Opportunities for professional development including the potential to contribute to research publications

• Joining the Cold Spring Harbor laboratory community and participating in meetings, auditing courses, and other events

What you’ll do:

• Work efficiently and cooperatively with a team of scientists conducting a variety of projects.

• Assist scientists by performing various investigative procedures and operating a variety of instruments and other scientific equipment.

• Prepare and run gel electrophoresis

• Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data; perform calculations and prepare charts, graphs and reports.

• Configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments; read and record instrument data; tabulate data; keep laboratory records.

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

• Maintain tissue cultures for experimental purposes as required.

• Maintain precise records of experiment results and appropriately manage data.

• General operations and organizational support to help maintain a safe, clean, and orderly lab environment as required.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in the life sciences required.

• Previous hands-on research experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency in various molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, etc.) is preferred.

• Previous experience with tissue culture would be a plus.

• Comfort working with a wide variety of people at all levels and from all backgrounds.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

• Strong attention to detail, time management, and prioritization skills.

• Proactive approach with an eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored.

Please include a cover letter detailing your interest in the position as part of your application.

Compensation Range:

Research Technician I (hourly) – $17.72 (minimum) - $22.16 (midpoint) - $28.77 (maximum)

Research Technician II (annual) – $44,880 (minimum) - $56,100 (midpoint) - $72,930 (maximum)

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. 

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). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

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 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