Research Technician I - Perkins Lab

Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.  

The Perkins Lab studies inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), genetic diseases that cause progressive vision loss, using zebrafish models to better understand why retinal regeneration fails during chronic degeneration and inflammation. The lab focuses on how inflammatory and signaling pathways, including Notch and NF-kB, impact Müller glia regeneration and photoreceptor survival. Using advanced sequencing technologies, the team investigates mechanisms that may lead to future regenerative therapies for human retinal degenerative diseases. As a Research Technician on our team, you will learn and become proficient in a variety of laboratory functions, including performing laboratory techniques and procedures required for assigned experimental studies and projects. In this role, you will assist with establishing and scheduling procedures and analyses, conduct tests and procedures using various laboratory equipment and instrumentation, assemble experimental results for review by staff and help order laboratory supplies and equipment.

Read more about the Perkins Lab: https://www.lerner.ccf.org/ophthalmic-research/perkins/

A caregiver in this position works days from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:  

• Learn how to perform laboratory techniques and procedures as required for experimental studies.

• Learn technical lab duties as delegated by the Research Staff Supervisor related to the assigned project.

• Schedule and perform the various analyses needed to complete the project.

• Assist with establishing and scheduling of various procedures and analysis.

• Learn how to prepare reagents, purify chemicals using chromatography, distillation, etc., identify, separate and quantify various substances.

• Accumulate data from analyses, prepare charts, graphs, statistical tables for presentation to Research Staff Supervisor for final analysis and preparation for publication, grant proposals and applications for research funds.

• Learn how to use and properly care for laboratory supplies and equipment. 

• Identify lab supply and equipment needs and communicate to more senior research techs.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• High School Diploma or GED and one year of experience in a research or related laboratory environment

• OR Associate’s Degree in a laboratory science field

• After selection and placement into this position, up to six months of on-the-job training required to become familiar with laboratory techniques, procedures and research protocol

• Critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision

• Ability to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods

• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment

• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information

• Ability to distinguish color

• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment

• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20  pounds

• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Pay Range

Minimum hourly: $15.75

Maximum hourly: $21.65

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).