Research Technician - Ran Lab - Neuroscience

ABOUT US

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Department of Neuroscience at Scripps Research has open positions in the new lab of Dr. Chen Ran. We are interested in understanding, on the cellular, circuit, and systems levels, the neural basis of interoception, i.e., how the brain receives signals from the visceral organs within the body to generate our internal senses. We seek to unravel how the nervous system detects mechanical, chemical, and thermal stimuli from the periphery to synthesize our internal sensations, including satiety, hunger, nausea, hypoxia, and visceral pain. We use state-of-the-art in vivo functional imaging, electrophysiological recordings, mouse genetics, neuronal activity manipulation, animal behavior, and computational approaches (Ran et al., Nature, 2022). Through our research, we will reveal fundamental principles governing how the brain encodes and processes information. This will, in turn, pave the way for the development of novel therapeutics for various diseases, including hypertension, obesity, diabetes, indigestion, eating disorders, pulmonary diseases, nausea, visceral pain, and infection-induced sickness behaviors. Find out more from our group website: https://www.ran-lab.org/.

We encourage individuals who are seeking to gain intensive 2-3 year research experience prior to applying to PhD programs or medical schools. This position involves comprehensive training in science and individualized mentorship. Previous technicians and undergraduate trainees of Dr. Ran were accepted into top-tier programs, including UCSF, Stanford, UCSD, Columbia, and others. This position will provide a strong research foundation to enhance application competitiveness. Additionally, technicians who are eager to pursue PhD study can be recruited through the graduate programs at Scripps or UCSD.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• The Research Technician will work with the Principal Investigator and members of the lab as needed to advance current projects.
• This individual will be listed as a co-author on publications for the projects he/she contributed to and gain valuable bench-side and analytical experience in a fast-paced research environment.
• Additional responsibilities include:
• Ensure laboratory personnel are maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and responsible for ordering reagents and other supplies.
• Place maintenance requests for laboratory apparatus and facility.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings by reporting data and presenting during journal clubs.
• Genotype and maintain mouse colonies.
• Provide support with general laboratory maintenance and compliance with health and safety policies, and help to train, supervise, and mentor junior staff as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

• Recently (i.e., no earlier than 2020) obtained a bachelors (or Master's) degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
• At least 2 years of lab experience.
• Energetic, bright, and highly motivated candidates with backgrounds in biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, physiology, or psychology are especially encouraged to apply.
• International candidates should be eligible for F-1 OPT to be authorized to work at Scripps.
• The ideal candidate can engage in extensive animal work, including surgeries and dissections.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position works in a laboratory and a vivarium environment. Details of established/essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION

The expected hiring range for this position is $18.67 to $24 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

EEO STATEMENT

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.