The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is hiring a Health Sciences (HS) Research Technician to join the collaborative laboratories of Dr. Jaya Rajaiya and Dr. James Chodosh. Our research focuses on adenoviruses, specifically their entry and trafficking into specific cell types. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about basic biological research and eager to work as part of a dynamic scientific team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual who can assist with laboratory experiments, support ongoing research activities, and contribute to the overall productivity of the lab. This position offers valuable hands-on experience in virology, cell biology, and biomedical research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Upkeep the laboratory safety procedures, and maintain a sterile and clean environment
• Monitors, stocks, and procures research equipment and supplies inventories
• Maintain laboratory instruments by setting up timely services
• Maintain several cell lines, and distribute as needed by other lab members
• Reagents updating, and weekly ordering
• Process human donated tissue for growing primary cells
• Routinely purify viruses used in laboratory
• Individually conduct experiments in the lab after discussing with the PI (infecting cells, transfecting cells, collecting extracts from cell lines)
• Run research samples on Western blots, Co-IP, RT-PCR, for individual and as needed by other laboratory personnel
  Helping laboratory members with their current experiments
• Maintain a clean, organized lab environment
• Train current and new members on existing laboratory techniques
• Participate in lab meetings and collaborative discussions

See the Position Description for additional information.

• For individual positions in which driving is a job requirement, a valid NM driver's license and valid UNM driver's permit will be required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Annual TB testing may be required if working in a patient care area.

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of directly related student practicum or equivalent experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related field
• Prior lab experience is a plus but not required
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Willingness to learn new techniques and contribute to a supportive team culture

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.