Research Technician

Description

The Department of Psychology is currently seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated Research Technician for a full-time opportunity to join the lab of Dr. Dhananjay Bambah-Mukku at the University of California San Diego.

The Bambah-Mukku lab studies cell-type and circuit specific mechanisms governing ethologically meaningful social behaviors. We are particularly interested in how neural circuits are modulated by the sex, age and physiological state of the animal. The lab employs an interdisciplinary approach combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics with genetic, behavioral and systems neuroscience tools to explore the function of neural circuits.

A second line of research focuses on the mechanisms of unique and extreme physiology and behavior in the Naked Mole Rat (Heterocephalus glaber). By using a comparative molecular approach to contrast mice and naked mole rats, we aim to explore the evolution and flexibility of neural circuit architectures underlying behavior. For more information about the Bambah-Mukku lab and their research, please visit:

As a Research Technician, we are looking for an organized, responsible, teamwork- oriented individual who can work collaboratively with graduate students and postdocs, to help facilitate daily laboratory tasks and cutting‑edge experiments in support of the lab's research goals. The research technician will be responsible for performing various behavioral and systems neuroscience techniques, mouse handling, mouse colony maintenance, and assisting with general laboratory maintenance.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent college graduate who would like to gain additional years of hands‑on research/laboratory experience and take advantage of various professional and skill development opportunities before moving on to graduate school.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) with at least two years of laboratory experience; or Completion of two years of college coursework in biological or neurosciences with at least one year of laboratory experience; or An equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous hands‑on experience working as a technician or research assistant in a laboratory.

• Experience with general lab maintenance, including cleaning and stocking inventory.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail.

• Experience in using various computer operating systems, and software, including electronic mail, word processing and databases (PC and/or Mac, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.).

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Must be willing to work with rodents as experimental animals.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Annual Full Pay Range: $48,295 - $56,794 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $23.13 - $27.20

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment,…