What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Technician position at LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION AT HARBOR-UCLA?
About Us:
The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is an independent, non-profit biomedical research organization located in Torrance, California. In dozens of laboratories throughout the campus, researchers are working to unravel the mysteries of heart and kidney disease, cardiac complications in newborns, chronic lung disease, skin cancer, sickle cell disease, disorders of the autoimmune system, and much more. Many of these projects are collaborative in nature, involving experts from different areas of specialization. Our discoveries have prevented blindness in newborns, enabled premature infants with fragile lungs to breathe and allowed children with rare, often fatal diseases to grow up healthy and strong.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- BS degree in Biology or another Life Science.
- Must have prior experience within a life sciences lab. Collegiate lab experience is acceptable.
- Must have prior experience handling cell cultures and animals in a research setting with prior experience with animal husbandry.
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Knowledge of basic cell and molecular biology techniques and biochemistry experiments required. Knowledge of PCR, DNA and RNA extractions, genotyping, sequencing and mutation screening and similar lab techniques desired.
- Basic understanding of mouse handling techniques required. Proficiency in mouse colony maintenance and animal husbandry techniques desired.
- Ability to learn quickly and to function with minimal day-to-day direction. Self motivated.
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines
- Ability to interact in an appropriate and professional manner
- Demonstrated cooperative behavior and positive-problem solving and conflict resolution skills
- Available to work dependable, flexible shift
Description of Duties:
This Research Technician position is in the Yoshihara Lab (https://eijiyoshiharalab.com/), which studies developmental biology, physiology, and genomics using human pluripotent stem cells and genetic animal models. We have recently developed methods to generate functional human pancreatic islet organoids, which hold potential as a therapeutic solution for insulin-dependent diabetes. Our long-term goal is to develop novel therapies for diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
This role will support molecular genetics research involving molecular biology, cell biology, and mouse models of diabetes.
Screening of applications will begin on March 9, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Responsibilities:
1. Perform a variety of laboratory techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and qPCR, genotyping, Western blotting, ELISA, FACS, plasmid purification, and other molecular and cell biology techniques.
2. Conduct data analysis and maintain organized records of tissue, DNA, and other experimental samples.
3. Perform stem cell–related experiments, including culture and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using 3D organoid systems.
4. Assist with general laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and ordering of supplies.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.
Salary : $18 - $22