Research Technician- Barton Lab

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has an exciting opportunity for a Research Technician to join the research team in the Barton Lab at the University of California, Berkeley . The Barton lab wants to understand how the immune system recognizes and responds to threats while limiting damage to our own cells and tissues, including the beneficial microbes that live on and within us. The team studies immune recognition in the intestine with the goal of determining how the host discriminates between the beneficial and harmful microbes there. For more information about the Barton lab, please visit

In this role, you will join a team of scientists studying how the immune system interacts with bacterial members of the microbiota. You will be assisting with experiments being performed in the lab by helping with dissections and tissue processing. Other lab work may include molecular biology techniques. In addition, this role will involve maintenance of animals in a gnotobiotic environment, where mice live in an environment devoid of bacteria or colonized with defined bacteria. This will include basic animal care and husbandry as well as performing mouse experiments involving handling of mice. You will be a valued member of the lab and participate in weekly lab meetings along with other group meetings.

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Being part of research projects and the possibility of being an author on lab research publications.

• Regular meetings with Dr. Barton in a collaborative and highly team-oriented setting.

What you’ll do:

• Gnotobiotic work: Maintenance of animals in a sealed positive-pressure rack using sterile technique. Assembly of microisolators, autoclaving and mouse husbandry. Optimization of protocols and documentation of compliance. Configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments. Coordination with other gnotobiotic technicians.

• Research related to immune detection of the microbiome: Assist lab members with experiments: dissections and tissue processing, DNA extraction and PCR analysis from samples: Mouse handling including injections and serial bleedings. Read and record instrument data, keep laboratory records, and prepare written summaries of experiments with results.

• Read literature applicable to research areas as the need arises.

• Bachelor of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or technology or equivalent in education and experience.

• Able to learn complex tasks with general instructions and then perform them independently.

• The successful applicant will be a highly motivated, ambitious individual with strong organizational skills and willingness to learn new techniques. The ability to plan ahead and coordinate with others is essential for success in this position.

• Ability to lift 15 pounds.

• Experience working with mice & bacterial preparations in a laboratory setting is preferred.

• Experience with sterile techniques.

• Proficiency in MS Word and MS Excel.

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.

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