Research Technician - Ye Lab

Primary Work Address: 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037

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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.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Research Technician to join the lab team of Dr. Li Ye at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. The lab focuses on combining neuroscience, molecular metabolism, and chemical biology to understand the nervous systems and somatic tissues as an integrated network while focusing on the energetics as a fundamental mechanism underlying their relationship and interactions, in normal physiology and disease conditions. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting

About the Research Technician role:
As the Research Technician, you will work closely with a postdoctoral scientist and others on the team in the execution of research projects. You will be responsible for behavioral assays, live brain imaging experiments with mice, mouse surgery support, and other relevant tasks. This would be an ideal position for a highly motivated candidate who is seeking a robust career experience for a minimum of 2 years before moving on to the next chapter of their educational or professional journey.

The lab has flexibility to hire at a variety of experience levels. Salary will be commensurate with the chosen candidate's level of education, skills, and experience.

What we provide:

• An interdisciplinary, collegial lab that values innovation, intellectual curiosity, learning, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Opportunities for authorship/co-authorship on research publications.
• Direct mentorship and support from Dr. Ye and other members of the team.
• The opportunity to learn state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques.
• Access to scientific talks and seminars at Scripps Research Institute.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

What you'll do:

• Under the direction of a postdoctoral scientist, perform experimental procedures including behavioral assays, live brain imaging with mice, and mouse surgery support.
• Contribute to general lab duties including cleanliness, organization, safety, and compliance with institutional policies.
• Participate in departmental and other relevant seminar series, lab sub-groups, and other pertinent activities.

What you bring:

• A bachelor's degree in the biological sciences is required. A focus on neuroscience or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Previous hands-on experience in laboratory research is required. Experience in a neuroscience lab is strongly preferred.
• Experience with handling mice in a laboratory environment is required.
• Experience with sterile technique, histology, animal surgery, and/or animal drug injection is preferred.
• Outstanding organizational skills and documentation capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with laboratory safety and ability to adhere to EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements.
• A commitment to follow all laboratory standard operating procedures, proactively identify and address issues and/or troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary.
• Positive attitude with a strategic, adaptive, and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
• Strong commitment to research integrity.
• Ability and willingness to learn to perform new techniques.

Application Instructions

Please make sure to include a cover letter detailing your interest in this role as part of your application.

Hiring Pay Range


Research Technician II (Hourly) - $22.00 - $27.50
Research Technician III (Salary) - $54,230 - $67,800

The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.


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