Research Technician BSL3- Vance Lab

We are looking for a detail-oriented Research Technician to work in the lab of Dr. Russell Vance at the University of California, Berkeley in Berkeley, California. A major focus of the Vance lab is understanding the innate immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. This Research Technician position will support the ongoing work in the Vance lab on tuberculosis and will involve working in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facility on Mtb. For more information about the Vance lab, please visit

The ideal candidate is a professional, collegial individual with extensive in vitro cell culture experience and is comfortable working with mice. This position will involve working in a BSL3 facility, but prior BSL3 experience is not a pre-requisite for this position as the chosen individual will receive training in how to work in BSL3 upon joining the Vance lab. An ideal candidate will also be comfortable working as part of a larger team and is looking to grow professionally while supporting multiple projects in a medium-sized collaborative academic laboratory. The chosen candidate will be responsible for making plates for growing Mtb, infecting mice with Mtb, and harvesting organs from Mtb infected mice to determine bacterial burden. This position provides the opportunity to contribute to research publications.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Make plates for growing Mtb.

• Weigh mice in the BSL3.

• Address any health issues with the mice in the BSL3 in a timely manner.

• Read and adhere to all relevant protocols and ensure mouse health and safety by adhering to all regulatory bodies' standards for mouse maintenance in the BSL3.

• Assist lab members with experiments in the BSL3, including but not limited to: infections of mice, euthanasia of mice, harvesting of organs, isolation of samples, and analysis of samples.

• Receive training to aid with the use of cutting-edge equipment in the BSL3, including a flow sorter for isolating cells of interest and a 10X machine for generating single cell RNA-sequencing libraries.

• Keep Vance lab associated equipment and storage in the BSL3 clean and organized.

Qualifications:

Education

• A bachelor's degree in the biomedical or health sciences is strongly preferred.

Experience

• No previous BSL3 experience is required but would be a plus.

• Previous hands-on laboratory experience including a strong background in sterile technique and cell culture is strongly preferred. Significant laboratory experience obtained during undergraduate studies is acceptable and will be considered.

• While training will be provided, previous hands-on experience with mouse handling would be a strong plus.

• Previous hands-on experience with utilizing basic lab skills (pouring plates, making solutions, sterile technique, etc.) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of mouse husbandry and microbiology.

• Superior verbal and written communication skills.

• Superior organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Superior prioritization skills and time management skills.

• Strong sense of initiative, self-motivation, and capacity for creative problem solving.

• Proficient computer skills (comfort with PC or Mac, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.).

• Ability and willingness to learn new techniques and skills.

• Ability and willingness to work with mice and bacterial preparations.

• Ability and willingness to accommodate infrequent night and weekend work as experimental needs arise.

• Ability to interact positively with all levels of staff.

• Ability to work efficiently and be adaptable to changing priorities.

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 site to learn more.