Position Focus:

Position available in a Department of Neuroscience laboratory. The lab is seeking a full-time enthusiastic, motivated, organized and methodical technician, interested in providing help and support to the lab benchwork, mainly using molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging and cell cultures techniques. The lab is focused on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the function of the nervous system and its dysfunction in disease. More specifically, the successful applicant will be involved in studies of the dynamic and homeostasis of membrane lipids, molecules with multiple functions including structural, metabolic and signaling roles.

Some of the questions the lab is trying to answer include:

• How do cells achieve and maintain such delicate homeostasis?
• How alterations of such homeostasis eventually lead to neurodegenerative diseases?

The technician duties include:

1. Maintaining and preparing mammalian cell cultures for lab members.
2. Supporting lab members in DNA/RNA isolation, PCR reactions and cloning.
3. Preparing solutions and reagents.
4. Harvesting cell or tissue samples (from mice).
5. Performing basic biochemistry and imaging experiments.
6. Maintaining detailed records of experiments and a comprehensive log of samples generated during benchwork.
7. Collaborating with lab manager and other technicians to ensure optimal organization of the lab.

Essential Duties

1. Researches and collects data through complex laboratory/ scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments.
2. Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications. Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports. Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques.
3. Assists in data interpretation and analyses. Reports on status of research activities. Sets up, operates and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus.
4. Formulates and prepares scientific solutions and media. Recruits study participants. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies.
5. May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments. May oversee and instruct research staff.
6. Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Dependability, a positive attitude, strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively within a research team.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Demonstrated ability with at least one technique from two of the following categories: tissue culture, molecular biology (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, cloning,...), biochemistry (western blotting, immunoprecipitation,…), immunofluorescence.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail and strong record keeping abilities.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Accurately collect, record and report data. Demonstrated ability to methodically follow protocol and experimental research instructions.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Basic computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office). Excellent attendance and punctuality record.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Biology or Biochemistry preferred, or related field. Two or more years of laboratory experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

Not allergic to rodents.

Weekend Hours Required?
No

Evening Hours Required?
No

Drug Screen
No

Health Screening
No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIX@yale.edu, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921. Telephone: 617.289.0111, Fax: 617.289.0150, TDD: 800.877.8339, or Email: ocr.boston@ed.gov.

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus