Research Technician II - Casanova Lab

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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.

Lab Overview

The Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, led by Dr. Jean-Laurent Casanova at UT Southwestern Medical Center, studies the human genetic and immunological determinants of life-threatening infectious diseases. The lab aims to understand why some children and adults develop life-threatening or lethal illness in the course of primary infection, while most individuals exposed to the same microbe remain unharmed. Research in the Casanova Lab has revealed that inborn errors of immunity — genetic variants that affect a person's ability to fight off infectious agents — can confer selective vulnerability to specific severe infectious diseases. This work provides foundational support for a human genetic and immunological theory of severe infectious diseases. For more information, visit

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated, adaptable, and team-oriented Research Technician II to join the Casanova Lab. This position is project-driven and focused on supporting research into the genetics infectious diseases, including identifying genetic mutations and conducting functional genetic analyses. The ideal candidate is a recent post-baccalaureate or early-career researcher with a background in Biology, Genetics, or Molecular Biology who is looking to gain meaningful hands-on research experience in a fast-paced, collaborative academic environment before pursuing advanced studies. On-the-job training will be provided, and the individual will work closely with senior lab members across interdisciplinary project teams.

What We Provide

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications, with potential co-authorship based on research contributions.

• Regular participation in lab meetings, including opportunities to present findings and develop scientific communication skills.

• Ad-hoc opportunities to attend scientific conferences and skill-specific learning events, based on performance and project relevance.

• A close-knit, collaborative lab environment where cross-team support is encouraged and teamwork is a core value.

• Access to the vibrant UT Southwestern Medical Center research community and broader scientific network.

What You'll Do

• Support senior lab members in day-to-day wet lab experiments focused on the genetics of infectious diseases, including functional studies and genetic analysis.

• Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR and cloning as core components of ongoing research projects.

• Apply CRISPR-based genome editing approaches, including knockout, HDR knock-in, base editing, or prime editing as project needs require.

• Assist with library design and/or cloning for high-throughput screening, viral vector production, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) preparation, depending on project assignment.

• Collect, record, and organize experimental data with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Collaborate actively with team members across both lab project teams, providing and receiving support as needed.

• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to a culture of scientific rigor and open collaboration.

What You Bring

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant life sciences or engineering field with at least 3 years of research experience in academia or industry; OR a Master's degree in a relevant life sciences or engineering field with at least 1 year of relevant research experience.

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR and cloning (required).

• Prior experience with CRISPR-based genome editing tools, including knockout, HDR knock-in, base editing, or prime editing (preferred).

• Experience with one or more of the following is preferred: design and/or cloning of libraries for high-throughput screening; viral vector production; NGS library preparation; and/or basic coding skills for data analysis including R or Python.

• Dynamic, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced research environment where priorities can shift.

• Strong teamwork orientation — this role requires frequent collaboration and mutual support across lab projects.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage time effectively across competing demands.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels.

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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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.

Hiring Pay Range

$43,294.00 - $54,118.00

Pay Type:

Annual

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.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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