Position Summary:
The Ocular Group within the Translational Immunology Department is seeking a motivated, flexible, and proactive Research Technician Contractor to support in vivo animal studies and in vitro characterization of preclinical endpoints. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of animal models of ocular diseases, including Glaucoma and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and will play a key role in evaluating therapeutic candidates for blinding retinal diseases.
This role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented individual who can work independently while thriving in a highly collaborative, fast-paced research environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Assist in the design, execution, and documentation of in vivo ocular studies using rodent models of Glaucoma, AMD, and other retinal diseases
• Perform routine and complex animal handling, dosing (IP, SQ, PO, IV), and monitoring, ensuring adherence to IACUC protocols and animal welfare standards
• Conduct tissue collection, processing, necropsy, and sample preparation for downstream analyses (e.g., histology, molecular assays, imaging)
• Support ocular-specific procedures (e.g., intravitreal injections, ocular imaging, dissection of eye tissues), as applicable
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely experimental records, including laboratory notebooks, electronic data capture, and study logs
• Assist with data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis; prepare data for team review (tables, graphs, PowerPoint summaries)
• Troubleshoot experimental issues in collaboration with scientists and senior team members
• Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents, solutions, and supplies needed for in vivo and in vitro experiments
• Ensure proper care, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments
• Support study planning, including scheduling, coordinating resources, and preparing materials ahead of experiments
• Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists, veterinarians, and research staff to ensure smooth study execution
• Follow all safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements, including biosafety and animal research guidelines
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on experimental progress and challenges
• Assist with training and onboarding of new team members, as needed
• Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to evolving study needs and priorities in a dynamic research environment
Qualification & Experience:
• Minimum 1-5 years of relevant experience, OR BA or BS (e.g., Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Immunology, or related discipline)
• Strong hands-on experience with rodent handling and in vivo techniques
• Extensive experience with animal dosing: IP, SQ, PO, and IV
• Proficiency in tissue collection, processing, and necropsy methods
• Familiarity with ocular research methods is a strong plus
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and adaptable
Additional Information:
Pre-Employment Requirements: An animal medical assessment must be scheduled (before start date) and completed during/ prior to start date. This should be arranged as soon as the candidate is confirmed for hire.