JOB SUMMARY:
The Research Tech V will work under the supervision of Scientist in the Ferrington Lab at Doheny Eye Institute investigating mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in age-related macular degeneration. This position will collaborate with principal investigator and other laboratory researchers to plan, design, and conduct highly technical and complex research projects. Research in Ferrington lab focuses on mechanisms that link genetic risk factors to mitochondrial dysfunction in RPE cells.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
1. Plan and conduct highly technical and complex research projects: Design and conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols, laboratory procedures and techniques, including but not limited to: (Percentage of time: 70%)
- Preparing experimental reagents and buffers
- cell culture from iPSC or iPSC-RPE and cell-based assays
- Seahorse assays
- Flow cytometry
- Western blotting
- Immunostaining/Histology
- ELISA
- Quantitative PCR
- Bioinformatics analysis
2. Experiment Design: Collaborate with Scientist and Principal Investigator and other research personnel to plan and design experiment. Design methods for new research projects. Review progress and discuss with Principal Investigator.
3. Laboratory Procedure and Policy Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of laboratory procedures and policies. Coordinates and organizes laboratory: monitoring consumable stocks, freezer organization and data storage (Percentage of time: 15%)
4. Maintains accurate records of procedures used to conduct experiments. Provide data summaries for review by supervisor (Percentage of time: 10%)
5. Provides input and updates on progress of research and makes recommendations for modification as appropriate. (Percentage of time: 5%)
6. Perform all tasks in a safe and timely manner in compliance with safety policies and according to hazardous materials regulations; maintains a neat workstation and environment. (Percentage of time: ongoing)
7. Perform special projects or other related work as required or requested. (Percentage of time: Ongoing)
SUPERVISION:
Function under the direction of the Doheny scientist.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE, TRAINING :
1. Education
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in biological science or related science required.
- Combined education and/or experience may be used as substitute for minimum education.
2. Experience
- 5 - 8 years research/lab experience.
- Experience in biological science-related field required.
- Lab experience working in cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry required.
3. Abilities and Characteristics
- Proficient English communication skills – both verbal and written.
- Ability to work on simultaneous projects and effectively prioritize work.
- Detail oriented and excellent analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and be self motivated.
- Good teaching ability.
- Ability to carry out work assigned according to research protocol.
- Attention to detail, excellent organizational and record keeping skills.
- Strong aseptic technique; mammalian cell culture (thawing, passaging, cryopreservation, contamination prevention)
- Accurate bench skills: pipetting, solution/reagent preparation, buffer making, calculations, dilution series
- Meticulous documentation (electronic lab notebook), labeling, sample tracking, inventory
- Reproducibility mindset: follows SOPs, maintains consistent technique, documents deviations
- Safety and compliance: BSL-2 practices, chemical hygiene, waste disposal
- Organized and reliable: prioritizes tasks, meets deadlines, maintains clean shared spaces
- Collaborative: communicates clearly with PI and lab members; supports multiple projects
- Demonstrated ability to follow SOPs and maintain high standards of lab safety and compliance
- Bioinformatics skills and techniques (such as R and Python)
- Routine analysis and interpretation of research data
- Motivated learner with a proactive approach to troubleshooting and improving workflows
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
