Position Title:

Research Technician

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hiring Range:

$28.03- $33.65 per hour; compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Pay Frequency:

Hourly

A. POSITION PURPOSE

The Research Technician will provide essential technical and operational support for a neuroscience research laboratory investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate oligodendrocyte development, myelination, and neuron–glia interactions in health and disease.  

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Laboratory Operations

• Under the Supervisor’s close guidance, the technician will perform a wide range of experimental procedures, including immunohistochemistry, microscopy, cell culture experiments, and animal colony maintenance.

2. Data Analysis and Student Training 

• Under the Supervisor’s close guidance, the technician will collect and analyze data, and help ensure the successful execution of funded research projects. The technician will also prepare data figures and support training of students. 

3. Chemical and Consumables Ordering

• Keep a working inventory of routinely used chemicals and consumables, and place orders with vendors to replenish these as needed.

4. Maintenance of Laboratory Safety

• Under the Supervisor’s close guidance, the technician will conduct and document routine digital safety audits using the designated institutional portal. 

• The technician will address and resolve small-scale safety violations to maintain compliance within the research space. 

• Draft  comprehensive standard operating procedures to facilitate the instruction of students, ensuring all laboratory tasks are performed with a high degree of caution and consistency.

C.   PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

This position plays a critical role in maintaining research continuity, training student researchers, ensuring compliance with animal care regulations, and generating high-quality, reproducible data that advances the laboratory's scientific mission. Ensures that undergraduate student researchers maintain a safe laboratory environment and adhere to standard laboratory procedures.

D.   GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Prepares and submits reports as requested and required. 

• Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

E.   QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred. This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within an  inclusive multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to a respectful workplace. 

1. Knowledge

The technician will have a background in developmental and neurobiology, as well as a working knowledge of basic wet lab techniques. 

2. Skills

The technician will have experience with the following techniques: 

• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals

• Animal handling

• PCR

• Gel electrophoresis

• Immunohistochemistry

• Microscopy

• Image analysis

• Primary cell culture

3. Abilities

The technician is highly organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and enthusiastic about contributing to a dynamic, team-based research environment.

• Understand and follow laboratory safety regulations

• Work independently

• Work cooperatively as part of a research team, including regular progress reports to the supervisor and other members of the laboratory

• Keep detailed records of work in laboratory notebook

 4. Education

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in neuroscience, biology, or biochemistry. 

5. Years of Experience

• 0-2 years of experience in a research lab (paid or unpaid) required. 

 

F.   PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities.  A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Considerable time is spent doing hands-on work at a laboratory bench or fume hood.

• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.

• May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.

• May be required to attend conferences and/or training sessions within the Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.

G.   WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Biology laboratory environment, including handling hazardous chemicals.

• Indoor laboratory environment with windows.

• Office and laboratory with equipment noise.

• Office and laboratory with frequent interruptions.

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

 

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at  https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/. 

 

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.  Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at [email protected] or by phone at (408)554-4392. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact [email protected].