Research Technician II - Jin Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • La Jolla, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science. This position is for a Research Technician II to join Dr. Xin Jin’s lab at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California. The Jin lab investigates how physiology and genetics impact brain function to understand how these distinct influences converge in the developing brain. They combine in vivo CRISPR screening with single-cell multi-omics, spatial genomics, and chemical biology tools. Their work is deeply collaborative, both within the lab and across disciplines, and bridges cutting-edge neurotechnology with fundamental questions in brain development. This integration of tool-building and mechanistic insight positions them to uncover how diverse inputs shape the brain’s trajectory in health and disease. As the Research Technician II, you will support studies using genomic tools to investigate tissue development and homeostasis. This position will involve mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, cell culture, and single-cell sequencing-related workflows. The successful candidate will work both independently and collaboratively to perform experiments, maintain accurate records, troubleshoot protocols, and help generate high-quality data for ongoing research projects. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is passionate about the lab’s work and looking for a stable, longer-term (ideally 3+ years) career experience.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in the life sciences is required.
• A minimum of 2-4 years of relevant research experience in an academic laboratory environment is required.
• Prior experience with mouse handling, mouse colony management, tissue collection, genotyping, or related animal research procedures.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, or preparation of sequencing-related samples.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, cell passaging, transfection, viral transduction, or cell-based assays.
• Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols, maintain organized records, and accurately track samples and reagents.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, troubleshoot routine experimental issues, and adapt standard procedures when needed.
• Willingness to work with mouse models and comply with institutional animal research, biosafety, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to contribute to fostering and maintaining a positive, thriving lab culture.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with master’s degrees are also welcome to apply and will be considered.
• Familiarity with genomics or single-cell sequencing workflows would be a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform mouse-related laboratory work, including handling, husbandry coordination, colony tracking, genotyping, tissue dissection/collection, and molecular analysis, in support of studies on brain development and neurodevelopmental disease mechanisms.
• Assist with CRISPR-based perturbation experiments, including reagent preparation, viral/vector-related workflows, sample collection, and genomic analysis.
• Carry out core molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and preparation of sequencing-related materials.
• Support single-cell genomics workflows, including nuclei/cell preparation, quality control, library preparation support, and sample submission for sequencing.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique, including passaging, transfection/transduction support, and monitoring of cell health.
• Prepare, organize, and validate experimental reagents, such as plasmids, oligos, guide RNA libraries, buffers, and cell culture media.
• Record experimental procedures, sample information, and results accurately in laboratory notebooks and shared databases.
• Analyze and summarize experimental results, including genotyping outcomes, QC metrics, and molecular assay data, and troubleshoot routine issues related to sample quality, molecular assays, sequencing preparation, or cell culture conditions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and reagent inventories, and coordinate with lab members on experimental timelines, animal use, sequencing submissions, and sample tracking to ensure efficient day-to-day lab operations.
• Adhere to institutional biosafety, animal research, and laboratory compliance policies, including required documentation and training.

Benefits

• An energetic, dynamic, and fun lab team that values innovation, inclusion, scientific rigor, and collaboration.
• Generous and stable research funding from HHMI.
• Joining the vibrant Scripps research community.
• Career growth, skill building, and professional development.
• Opportunities to be mentored by Dr. Jin and/or senior members of the team.
• Opportunities for authorship/co-authorship on research publications.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level