Demo

Laboratory Research Technician I

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/6/2026
Performs laboratory testing and some analysis on multiple types of specimen samples. Operates and properly sterilizes equipment and maintains inventory and assists with ordering.

Med-Ophthalmology

A full-time Research Tech I position is available in Dr. Liyun Zhang’s laboratory in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh. The lab focuses on studying the mechanisms of retinal degeneration and regeneration, with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the lab develops zebrafish retinal disease models to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration and perform in vivo phenotypic drug screening to identify potential therapeutic compounds.

Qualification Of Candidate

  • A bachelor’s degree in biology, Molecular Biology or related scientific field is required.2) Previous research experience is preferred but not mandatory, especially with the following techniques and skills:
  • Zebrafish husbandry (e.g. general care, breeding, genotyping, phenotyping, drug treatments).
  • High resolution imaging (e.g. fluorescence and confocal microscopy).
  • Histological and immunological tissue processing and sectioning.
  • Standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, cloning, RNA/DNA extraction)
  • Strong attention to details and excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a diverse research team.
  • Enthusiasm for science and a proactive mindset to learn new techniques and contribute to innovative research.

Essential Functions

Specific duties & responsibilities: The Research Technician will support the lab’s research activities by conducting experiments, maintaining zebrafish lines, and overseeing general laboratory operations to ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the lab. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform a variety of experiments, such as drug screening, histology, confocal imaging, zebrafish behavior assays, and microinjection. Assist with data analysis and troubleshooting.
  • Maintain detailed, accurate, and timely records of experimental data in laboratory records. Document and analyze results and contribute to lab meetings and scientific discussions.
  • Maintain zebrafish stocks and zebrafish databases, monitor fish health, and perform genotyping.
  • Sterilize experimental materials, prepare solutions, maintain a clean and safe working environment.
  • Manage laboratory supplies, including ordering, tracking, receiving, and organizing materials and reagents.

Physical Effort

Must have good stereo vison to effectively use a stereo microscope for larval fish dissection and related tasks.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Laboratory Research Technician I

Job Family

Research

Job Sub-Family

Laboratory

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years Of Experience Required

No experience required

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?

Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule

M- F 8:30am to 5:00pm

Work Arrangement

On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range

TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered

No

Visa Sponsorship Provided

No

Background Check

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances

Not Applicable

Required Documents

Resume

Optional Documents

Not Applicable

Salary.com Estimation for Laboratory Research Technician I in Pittsburgh, PA
$41,147 to $53,916
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Laboratory Research Technician I?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Laboratory Research Technician I career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$39,867 - $53,962
Income Estimation: 
$49,374 - $66,503
Income Estimation: 
$52,329 - $73,966
Income Estimation: 
$58,931 - $72,415
Income Estimation: 
$67,065 - $95,497

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Laboratory Research Technician I.

Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

  • Clinical Data Analysis Skill

    • Income Estimation: $60,086 - $76,278
    • Income Estimation: $61,264 - $82,603
  • Clinical Data Management Skill

    • Income Estimation: $61,448 - $87,156
    • Income Estimation: $64,637 - $113,224
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at University of Pittsburgh

  • University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
  • Supports Faculty Records functions by assisting with faculty appointments and promotions processing as well as reviewal of faculty action requests and facu... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
  • Provides animal care to laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, enrichment, health observations and basic medical treatments. Performs cage cleani... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • University of Pittsburgh Greensburg, PA
  • The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg seeks a collaborative pianist to work as Part-time Instructor of Piano. Responsibilities include: Providing priv... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
  • Company Description The University of Pittsburgh is a top-ranked public research institution in Pennsylvania and a member of the Association of American Un... more
  • 9 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Laboratory Research Technician I jobs in the Pittsburgh, PA area that may be a better fit.

  • The University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
  • Laboratory Research Technician UPCI Basic Research Administration - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26005810) Job Summary: Please include specific education and... more
  • 27 Days Ago

  • UPMC Pittsburgh, PA
  • Purpose: The Clinical Research Services (CRS) team is made up of nearly 200 staff members who facilitate the development, implementation, coordination, int... more
  • 3 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!