Research Technician

Payroll

Title:

LAB AST 2

Department: PSYCHOLOGY

Hiring Pay Scale: $25.00/ Hour

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: TX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: 8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday

Filing Deadline: Wed 1/28/2026

Position: Research Technician (#137283)

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment:
Apply by 11/10/2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants:
Apply by 11/19/2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Apply Now

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.

Pay Transparency Act

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…