Lab Administration Research Technician - Kruglyak Lab

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lab Administration Research Technician to join the lab of Dr. Leonid Kruglyak at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) providing administrative/technical support to the team and supporting ongoing experimental projects in yeast genetics and C. elegans genetics. The Kruglyak lab conducts experiments in model organisms, as well as computational analyses, aimed at understanding how changes at the level of DNA are shaped by molecular and evolutionary forces and how these changes lead to the observable differences among individuals in a species. More information about the Kruglyak lab can be found at https://kruglyak.genetics.ucla.edu/.

This position will require a driven, creative individual who is willing to tackle novel challenges and continually work towards process improvement. Ideal candidates will be incredibly organized and have a strong desire to support both the day-to-day operations and the research of the lab.

Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain laboratory consumables and reagent inventories. Order and receive supplies and equipment.

   

• Act as liaison between the lab, HHMI, and UCLA administrative offices on issues such as procurement, MTAs, lab staff transitions, visas, budgets, use of host accounts, etc.

   

• Act as liaison between lab and UCLA’s safety office to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Coordinate amendments and renewals for lab permits and protocols.

   

• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

   

• Oversee service contracts and repairs of laboratory equipment.  Maintain records of asset locations and participate in periodic asset inventories.

   

• Facilitate distribution of requested plasmids and strains to collaborators and outside scientists.

   

• Organize lab events and coordinate arrangements for visitors. 

   

• Process and track reimbursements from multiple sources for Investigator, laboratory members and visiting scientists.

   

• Coordinate onboarding processes and training for incoming lab members.

   

• Provide support for the execution of genetics, genomics, and molecular biology experiments.

   

• Assist with plasmid preparation, cDNA cloning and DNA sequencing techniques as needed.

   

• Perform sterile techniques; maintain, propagate, and analyze yeast and nematode strains.

   

• Perform other duties as assigned.

   

Education, Skills, and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in health or physical sciences is required. Majoring in genetics, biology,   molecular biology, or biochemistry is preferred.

   

• At least 2 years of post-baccalaureate experience working in an academic laboratory.

   

• Experience in genetic techniques and molecular biology techniques is required.

   

• Experience working with yeast or C. elegans is preferred.

   

• Experience with DNA sequencing and other high-throughput assays is preferred.

   

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

   

• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

   

• High degree of self-motivation and proactiveness.

   

• Ability to work well with a wide variety of people in a diverse laboratory environment.

   

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. 

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 Abilities Act.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer