Research Technician 1 LSA
Boise State University

Job Info

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Job Summary/Basic Function:
To perform or assist in performing multi-task technical work to conduct basic molecular biology lab techniques, sampling, monitoring, and/or data collection activities and perform related work.

This position is LIMITED-SERVICE. The length of a limited-service appointment is determined by the availability of funds such as grants and/or timeframes such as pilot projects or program termination. Appointments to a limited-service position have permanent classified status (with limited layoff rights) after successful completion of entrance probation and shall receive, no later than the date of hire, a written agreement describing the non-career nature of the job and the duration of employment. Updated agreements are required every two (2) years.
Level Scope:
Applies basic skills while developing some specialized skills in procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment appropriate to area of specialization; performs routine and/or repetitive tasks; limited decision making required; generally works under close supervision; has no or limited experience; work is performed from within specific limits of established procedures and/or defined instructions.
Essential Functions:
- Incumbent will be part of a neuroscience research laboratory focused on neural circuitry and neurochemistry underlying motivated behavior, decision making, and mental illnesses including depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.

The Research Technician 1 works under direct supervision performing moderately complex technical work.
95% of the time the Research Technician 1 will:
Mouse colony management; including husbandry, breeding, weaning, genotyping, surgical procedures, injections, and euthanasia.
Lab management; including maintaining stocks of essential supplies and reagents, purchasing lab supplies, and ensuring lab is clean/organized and lab equipment is running efficiently. Maintaining spreadsheet logs for lab supplies and reagents. Writing and maintaining protocols for lab member usage.
Basic lab chemicals preparation; buffers, fixative solutions, antibodies.
Behavioral suite management: Assist building behavioral testing and recording devices.
Supporting new lab member onboarding.
As required, incumbent will also assist in performing techniques that include mouse brain surgeries, behavioral training and analyses, in vivo recordings, optogenetics and pharmacological manipulations, molecular biology, histology, and programming behavioral tasks and data analysis code.

5% Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
-Theoretical knowledge in neuroscience (or related), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong organizational skills, combined with ability to prepare and maintain clear and accurate laboratory records, files and notebooks. Proven ability to read basic graphs and interpret and analyze data.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Possess skills of tact, poise, diplomacy, confidentiality and flexibility in a lab environment that interacts with a diverse group of research and technical personnel and other laboratories. Ability and willingness to work in conjunction with principles of community with other lab personnel/staff, faculty and students.
- Sensitivity to the needs of caged laboratory animals in compliance with AAALAC guidelines.
- Solid computer skills using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email system, and a variety of web-based programs. Demonstrated ability to create and maintain databases, perform standard computer tasks, learn new programs/applications with minimal direction. Ability to update/maintain technology skills with relevant computer software.
-Proven ability to work collaboratively on a research project and learn new experimental methods as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Some knowledge of: scientific methods.

Experience: data collection and compilation; in database manipulation; researching using various sources.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with handling mice and mouse colony management (genetics and maintenance of mouse lines).
- Experience with general lab organization and maintenance.
- Experience with one or more basic lab skills; making basic chemical solutions, preparing and analyzing tissue samples for histology, performing molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA preparation/extraction, PCR genotyping), working safely with hazardous chemicals.
- Knowledge of brain anatomy, neural circuit function, and neurobiology. Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $15.00 -$17.00 per hour and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 9.27% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:
Cover letter and resume.
About Us:
Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/

Advertised: December 18, 2024 Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: January 6, 2025 11:55 PM Mountain Standard Time

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