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Research Technician- Barton Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
United States, California, Berkeley
December 18, 2022
Primary Work Address: 2033 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3140 Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has an exciting opportunity for a Research Technician to join the research team in the Barton Lab at The University of California, Berkeley. The Barton lab wants to understand how the immune system recognizes and responds to threats while limiting damage to our own cells and tissues. To make this distinction, innate immune receptors recognize conserved features of microbes, but in some cases these features are not enough to make the correct choice. Barton and his team study such situations to better understand autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. They are particularly focused on receptors that recognize nucleic acids and have identified new mechanisms that limit responses to self-nucleic acids. The team also studies immune recognition in the intestine with the goal of determining how the host discriminates between the beneficial and harmful microbes there. For more information about the Barton lab, please visit About the role: In this role, you will join a team of scientists studying how the immune system interacts with bacterial members of the microbiota. This research will include helping to maintain a colony of gnotobiotic mice, which are housed in an environment devoid of bacteria or colonized with defined bacteria, as well as carrying out experiments. This opportunity would be perfect for someone who enjoys working with mouse colonies. You will manage daily facility operations for the mouse colony including supply stocks, ordering replacements, cleaning facility, and moving supplies in and out of the isolators. You will be a valued member of the lab and participate in weekly lab meetings along with other group meetings. What we provide: A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits. One on one mentorship with a graduate student/postdoc in the lab. Being part of research projects and having your name on research papers. Attending scientific conferences. Weekly meetings with Dr. Barton in a collaborative and highly team-oriented setting. What you'll do: Research related to immune detection of the micro bio: assist lab members with experiments, configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments, read and record instrument data, keep laboratory records, and prepare written summaries of experiments with results. Maintenance of the gnotobiotic mouse colony: assembly microisolators, autoclaving, husbandry, mouse census, optimization of protocols, and documentation of compliance. Microbiological testing: culturing of fecal material from gnotobiotic animals, DNA extraction and PCR analysis from samples. Order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies. Read literature applicable to research areas as the need arises. What you bring: Bachelor of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or technology or equivalent in education and experience. Able to learn complex tasks with general instructions and then perform them independently. The successful applicant will be a highly motivated, ambitious individual with strong organizational skills and willingness to learn new techniques. Experience working with mice & bacterial preparations in a laboratory setting is preferred. Experience working with gnotobiotic microisolators is preferred. Experience with sterile technique. Occasional overtime may be required. Proficiency in MS Word and MS Excel. 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 site to learn more. Compensation Range $21.56 (minimum) - $26.97 (midpoint) - $35.05 (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.