Research Technician I
About The Position
A Research Technician I position for Summer 2026 is available in the laboratory of Dr. Gowrishankar Muthukrishnan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and the Center for Musculoskeletal Research. The Muthukrishnan Lab investigates the immunobiology of musculoskeletal infections, with the goal of identifying novel biomarkers and efficacious immunotherapeutics. The Research Technician I will provide routine technical support within the laboratory and assist with ongoing NIH-funded research projects. Responsibilities include performing experiments by following established protocols under direct supervision, including mouse tissue harvest, sample processing (e.g., homogenization or single cell isolation for flow cytometry), CFU assays, PCR and gel electrophoresis, and cell culture. Critically, since the Muthukrishnan maintains 12 different mouse strains, the technician will conduct mouse colony matinenance which includes: weaning, mating, ear punching, and inventory. The technician will also be responsible for collecting, organizing, and recording experimental data as directed by the Principal Investigator and/or senior laboratory personnel. This is a full-time, temporary summer position.
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED required.
- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
- Effective time management skills
- Willingness to work with mice
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications
Nice To Haves
- Associate's degree Health Science, Biology, Chemistry or other science related field of study preferred.
- Experience in a large complex health care or academic setting preferred.
- Understanding of medical or laboratory terminology preferred.
- Ability to effectively communicate with staff and faculty of all levels preferred.
- Knowledge of University policies and procedures preferred.
Responsibilities
- Performing experiments by following established protocols under direct supervision, including mouse tissue harvest, sample processing (e.g., homogenization or single cell isolation for flow cytometry), CFU assays, PCR and gel electrophoresis, and cell culture.
- Conducting mouse colony maintenance which includes: weaning, mating, ear punching, and inventory.
- Collecting, organizing, and recording experimental data as directed by the Principal Investigator and/or senior laboratory personnel.
- Performs mouse colony maintenance (weaning, mating, ear punching, inventory) according to established lab and UCAR protocols and under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or senior lab personnel.
- Performs isolation of bone marrow cells from mice for co-culture experiments utilizing cell differentiation and MACS methods according to established protocols and under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or senior lab personnel.
- Performs PCR and gel electrophoresis for mouse genotyping according to established protocols and under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or senior lab personnel.
- Assists the Principal Investigator and senior lab personnel in training the two new undergraduate students conducting summer research in PCR, gel electrophoresis, tissue processing from harvest, and CFU assays.
- Collects, records, and enters experimental data into established laboratory databases and systems; organizes data for review by the Principal Investigator and/or senior lab personnel.
- Attends lab meetings and relevant seminars as appropriate.
- Assists with routine laboratory upkeep and monitoring of supply/reagent inventory under supervision.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
